The body was naked except for a pair of stockings and suspenders A police officer

Police kept the body in the house for five hours before removing it to Fulham mortuary for post-mortem examination last night.

One officer said: "The body was naked except for a pair of stockings and suspenders."

But he refused to comment on rumours the politician was also bound and gagged.

The forensic team emerged from the MP's house after three hours carrying a bag and some furniture, including two sections of beige cupboard doors and the top of a round pine table.

After working as foreign editor and Washington correspondent of the Sunday Times and a stint as BBC TV's Europe correspondent, Mr Milligan entered parliament in 1992.

Within just seven months he took the first step on the ministerial ladder when he became Parliamentary Private Secretary to Defence Minister Jonathan Aitken.

He was well regarded by his colleagues in the House of Commons who have pointed out the irony of his growing disillusionment with politics as the party hierarchy began to notice him.

Mr Milligan, who had twice been engaged, had recently spoken of his wish to settle down and spend more time with friends.

His sudden death has left friends and colleagues shocked and distressed.

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