Malcolm McHaffie, Head of the Crown Prosecution Service’s Special Crime Division, said: “We have decided to charge Crispin Blunt, 65, with four drugs offences – one count of possessing a controlled drug of Class A and three counts of possessing a controlled drug of Class B.

“The charges follow police attendance at Mr Blunt’s home address in Horley on 25 October 2023, which was in relation to a separate matter.

“Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring this case to court and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings.

“We have worked closely with Surrey Police as they have carried out their investigation.

“We remind all concerned that criminal proceedings against this defendant are active and that he has the right to a fair trial.

“It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”