‘Sex toy’ minister escapes sack

A BREXIT minister has apologised to his constituents for asking a secretary to buy sex toys – but is expected to avoid the sack.

Mark Garnier is under investigation for alleged inappropriate behaviour towards Caroline Edmondson after she complained of her treatment in 2010, when he asked her to buy two vibrators.

Yesterday the Wyre Forest MP told his local newspaper, The Shuttle in Kidderminster, that the public was entitled to expect ‘high standards of behaviour’ from elected representatives. It is believed, however, that the international trade minister will not be dismissed following a Cabinet Office inquiry.

He is thought to have been cleared of breaching the ministerial code after officials said it did not cover events that occurred before he was a minister. But he could still be referred to the Tory disciplinary panel, which is looking at the conduct of MPs Stephen Crabb, Dan Poulter and Daniel Kawczynski.

Mr Garnier has not denied the claims but said his conduct did not amount to harassment. He told The Shuttle: ‘I apologise to my constituents that this situation occurred.’