Keith Vaz Resigns As Chairman Of Home Affairs Over Sex n Drug Allegation

Mr Vaz, who has publicly apologised to his wife and children for the "hurt and distress" caused, was under pressure to quit. Committee members had threatened a vote of no confidence in him if he did not resign.

Keith Vaz has stood down as chairman of the Home Affairs Select Committee in the wake of allegations he paid two male escorts for sex.

The 59-year-old Leicester East MP's resignation follows newspaper reports that he met the escorts at a flat he owns near his family home in north London in August. 

Mr Vaz also offered to pay for a Class A drug and discussed using the party drug "poppers", according to the Sunday Mirror.

The cross-party committee is considering a review of prostitution laws. Mr Vaz also opposed government attempts to criminalise poppers.

The Labour MP, who emerged smiling as he left his London home earlier, said in a statement: "Those who hold others to account must themselves be accountable."

He said it was in the "best interest" of the committee for it to conduct its business "without any distractions".

"This is my decision, and mine alone, and my first consideration has been the effect of recent events on my family," he said.

On his way to meet senior committee members behind closed doors, he was asked by Sky's Robert Nisbet whether he would be prepared to talk the media afterwards.

Nisbet said Mr Vaz replied: "Why would I want to speak to you when you say such nice things about me?" and seemed relaxed.

Senior Conservative MP Tim Loughton has been appointed interim chairman until a successor is elected, probably in October.

He said Mr Vaz gave a "very frank" account of what had happened and would no longer be on the committee.

Speaking to reporters at Portcullis House, the Conservative MP said: "The committee listened, I think, in sadness to what Keith had to say and with a good deal of respect.

"Keith has clearly acted in the best interests of the Home Affairs Select Committee and the important work that we do.

"With sadness we all accepted that that was the appropriate course of action that he has taken and we also appreciate the many challenges facing him personally and his family." 

Members applauded Mr Vaz as he left the room afterwards.