Tory MP's aide Samuel Armstrong in court on rape charge

Samuel Armstrong has been suspended from his post as chief of staff

An aide to a Kent Conservative MP has appeared before Westminster magistrates charged with rape following an alleged attack at the Houses of Parliament.

Samuel Armstrong, 23, of Copt Hill, Danbury, Essex, is charged with two counts of rape and one of sexual assault.

He has been suspended from his position as chief of staff to South Thanet's Tory MP Craig Mackinlay.

The charge follows an alleged incident at Parliament in October.

Mr Armstrong was bailed to appear before Southwark Crown Court on 28 April.

He was ordered not to enter the Palace of Westminster and not to contact the alleged victim.