Mark Pritchard, the Tory MP confirmed this morning as having been arrested and bailed over an allegation of rape,  has regularly spoken of his strong links to the county.

Mr Pritchard, member for The Wrekin, spent the first five years of  his life in what he has described as a “Victorian “ orphanage in Hereford, grew up in foster care and went to the then Aylestone High School.

 Last year, Mr Pritchard told political magazine The House that he had spent most of his life in Herefordshire.

This morning it was confirmed that Mr Pritchard, 48, was arrested on Tuesday over an allegation of rape, having voluntarily attending Holborn police station, London.

He has been bailed until early next month.