HE’S A VAZ BEEN!

‘Rent boy’ MP quits Commons top post

LABOUR MP Keith Vaz is to quit as chairman of the House of Commons Home Affairs Select Committee after he was embroiled in rent boy revelations.

Announcing his resignation, he said: “Those who hold others to account must themselves be accountable.”

Mr Vaz’s statement had been circulated to media under an embargo until later on Tuesday but it was widely reported on social media.

Mr Vaz said: “It is in the best interest of the Home Affairs Select Committee that its important work can be conducted without any distractions. I am genuinely sorry that recent events make it impossible for this to happen if I remain chair.”

He said the decision to resign and stand aside immediately was “my decision, and mine alone”.

Resignation

Mr Vaz has recommended that, in the interim, Conservative MP Tim Loughton should chair proceedings.

He said: “After speaking to the House authorities, I will formally tender my resignation to Mr Speaker so that it coincides with the timetable for the election of other committee chairs, such as the Brexit Committee, Culture, Media and Sport, and Science and Technology, so that the elections can take place together.”

Tory Home Affairs Committee member David Burrowes said: “I think he has done the right and honourable thing.”

He added that the committee’s inquiries into issues like prostitution or drugs “demand an objective view and one that isn’t likely to be conflicted and isn’t liable to be compromised”.

Asked whether he would be resigning as an MP, Mr Vaz made no response to reporters.