MP arrested for allegedly assaulting son
Arrested: Craig Whittaker, Todmordens MP
CALDER Valley MP Craig Whittaker has been arrested amid allegations that he assaulted his son.
Allegedly the assault on 24-year-old Lee Whittaker took place outside a petrol station in Burnley Road, Mytholmroyd at 10.30pm on Boxing Day.
Mr Whittaker was driving his son back from Wigan to the latter’s Mytholmroyd home, where he lives with his mother, Alison.
Speaking to the Todmorden News yesterday morning the Conservative MP said: “I have given the police a full statement and because of the police investigations I have nothing further to say.”
Father-of-three Mr Whittaker, who sits on the Education Select Committee, currently lives in Huddersfield but previously lived in Blackshaw Head and Rastrick, Brighouse.
Lee is a graduate of Forensic Science from Manchester University and his grandfather, Bob Cross, said: “The whole family has been advised to say nothing at this stage.”
Few people were willing to comment on the issue on the record when the news of Mr Whittaker’s arrest came out yesterday (Wednesday).
Both Todmorden ward Conservative councillor Ian Cooper and Todmorden town councillor David O’Neill (Independent) declined to comment on the issue.
And Mayor of Todmorden Richard White (Lib Dem) also declined to comment.
Chairman of the Calder Valley Conservative Association Helen Roberts said she had no comment to make.
A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “We are investigating an allegation of assault that occurred at the Burnley Road petrol station.
“A 49-year-old man has been arrested and bailed pending the outcome of further inquiries and consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service.”
Mr Whittaker’s three children - Lee, Sophie and Beth - are from his first marriage.
Last year he married Elaine Wilkinson at The Chapel of St Mary Undercroft, Palace of Westminster.
He was elected to Westminister in May 2010 with a majority of 6,431 and his ward covers the Hebden Bridge, Todmorden and Brighouse areas.
Whilst living in the Blackshaw Head area, he served on Heptonstall Parish Council between 1998 and 2003.
Mr Whittaker also served on Calderdale Council from 2003/2004 and from 2007/2011.
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Wednesday 23 May 2012
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