Christine Hemming, the wife of Liberal Democrat parliamentarian John Hemming, is accused of burgling the home of Emily Cox, a researcher with whom Mr Hemming's had fathered a child in 2005.

Mrs Hemming's was apparently released on bail and is due to reappear at Birmingham magistrates' court on 16 December.

And while Mrs Hemming's whereabouts are known, the cat-napping victim is yet to be found, prompting Mr Hemming to publish a picture of the missing kitten, named Beauty, on his blog and ask for anyone who has seen her to contact him at the House of Commons.

"I have spent some time looking for the kitten and there is a reward for [her] safe return," Hemming said. "Her brother Twinkle is pining for her."