The People’s National Party (PNP) says a former Member of Parliament’s membership with the party has been referred to the organisation’s disciplinary process after he was charged with a serious sexual offence.

The former MP is in the custody of the Savanna-la-Mar police charged with incest, Observer Online has been reliably informed.

READ: Former MP charged with incest

In a statement late Monday responding to the charge, the PNP said its thoughts “are first and foremost with the young victim and all those affected by this deeply distressing case.

“The protection of children and all vulnerable persons must always be our absolute priority,” the party said.

In the meantime, the party said it “acted without delay” upon learning of the charges against the former MP.

“The accused’s membership in the People’s National Party has been referred to the appropriate internal processes for immediate action. We respect that the matter is now a legal one, and as such, we will limit our comments. We trust that the judicial process will be fair, thorough, and expedient,” the PNP said.

“The PNP remains unwavering in its commitment to the highest standards of conduct and to policies that actively protect and support victims of abuse. There is no place in our Party or our society for anyone who would commit such crimes,” the party added in the statement.

The allegations are that the former MP took a 13-year-old female relative to run errands in January of this year. Following that, he reportedly brought her to his home in Frome, where he had sex with her.

A report was made to the police by the victim and he was arrested and charged.