Labour MP Keith Vaz steps down

Labour MP Keith Vaz has resigned following newspaper claims that he paid for the services of two male sex workers over the weekend.

The Sunday Mirror published pictures that showed Vaz with the sex workers in his flat in North London. The publication also included recorded footage of the MP mentioning the use of illegal drugs. Vaz’s solicitor is reportedly looking into the paper’s allegations.

In a statement on Tuesday, Vaz said: "It is in the best interest of the Home Affairs Select Committee that its important work can be conducted without any distractions whatsoever. I am genuinely sorry that recent events make it impossible for this to happen if I remain chair."

Another Labour MP will be elected to replace him by October. In the meantime Conservative MP Tim Loughton has taken over as interim chairman.

Conservative MP Andrew Bridgen has said he would refer the matter to the Commons Standards commissioner and may even report Vaz to the police.

The married father of two has been the longest longest serving british Asian MP and has chaired the Home Affairs Select Committee for the last nine years.

Labour MP Chuka Umunna, who sits on the Home Affairs committee, said Vaz had made the right decision in stepping down but added that he did a "fine job" as chairman.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said Vaz’s future on the party’s ruling National Executive would be discussed when it meets.

"He's made his decision because he felt that to carry on in the circumstances that he is now involved in would detract from the work of the Home Affairs committee and so he has made that decision for himself" said Corbyn.