DISGRACED9

‘Vaz disregarded the law by expressing a willingness to supply cocaine to two prostitutes, was evasive during the investigation ... and caused significant damage to the reputation and integrity of the Commons’

And he claimed he lost his memory after drinking a glass of “spiked” water.

But the scathing Commons Standards Committee report branded his explanations “frankly, ludicrous”.

It added: “It is difficult, to put it mildly, to see how all these separate defences could simultaneously be true.

“We find the evidence to be compelling that Mr Vaz was previously acquainted with the men, that he had paid them to engage in sexual activity with him, and that he did engage in sexual activity for which he had paid.

“The audio recording contains evidence of Mr Vaz’s apparent willingness to purchase controlled drugs for others to use.

“While his comments do not amount to a criminal offence, he shows disregard for the law.”

The Committee, chaired by Labour MP Kate Green, blasted Mr Vaz for not “co-operating at all stages” with the probe. Its report said: “He has failed, repeatedly, to answer direct questions, he has given incomplete answers and his account has, in parts, been incredible.

“I do not believe he has given me or my predecessor a full and accurate account of the relevant events.”

Leicester MP Mr Vaz was chair of a Commons committee investigating drugs and prostitution at the time of the encounter.

The report concluded that he breached section 16 House of Commons Code of Conduct on “reputation and integrity”. It added: “This is a very serious breach. We recommend the House should suspend Mr Vaz from its service for six months.”

If MPS agree, Mr Vaz, of

Edgware, North London, would face a recall election. He could also lose any right to a lifetime Parliamentary pass.

Tory MP Andrew Bridgen, who made the complaint about Mr Vaz to the committee, said: “His conduct during the enquiry shows he is not fit to represent anywhere in Parliament.”

The inquiry was repeatedly delayed by the two police referrals – which did not lead to a prosecution – the 2017 election and Mr Vaz’s “ill health”.

MPS took the rare decision to redact “sensitive” information from his doctors about the medical details.

His office said: “Keith Vaz has been treated for a serious mental health condition for the last three years as a result of the events of 27th August 2016.

“He has shared all the medical reports in confidence with the Committee. He has nothing further to say on this matter.”