UK: Keith Vaz stands down as chair of home affairs select committee following male escort allegations

Keith Vaz at the Labour Party's diversity night party in 2015

A married Labour MP has stepped aside as chairman of the Home Affairs Select Committee after allegedly paying two male escorts for sex.

Keith Vaz reportedly met two Eastern European men for sex at his London flat eight days ago before paying them cash, according to The Sunday Mirror.

Mr Vaz, a father of two, was last night said to have made it clear that he will step aside as chairman of the committee, which is currently examining prostitution in the UK, after the allegations were made public.

In a statement reported by The Mail on Sunday, he said: “I am genuinely sorry for the hurt and distress that has been caused by my actions in particular to my wife and children.

“I will be informing the Committee on Tuesday of my intention to stand aside from chairing the sessions of the Committee with immediate effect.

“At this time I do not want there to be any distraction from the important work the Committee undertakes so well.”

Reports suggested that Mr Vaz had not resigned completely, but temporarily.  (more...)

UK: Keith Vaz stands down as chair of home affairs select committee following male escort allegations

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