MP repeats his denial of pornography allegations

Embattled Ashford MP Damian Green has once again denied claims he downloaded extreme pornography onto his computer in Parliament.

The Sun newspaper reported a police source on Saturday as saying content was being accessed on a “daily basis” on Mr Green’s computer in 2008, just weeks before it was made illegal.

But speaking to the Kentish Express, Mr Green reiterated his denial that he was responsible for putting porn on his computer or for viewing it.

He said: “As I have said throughout, I did not download or look at pornography in my office.”

It is the second time this month the top Tory has appeared on the front page of the national newspaper.

Mr Green, who as First Secretary of State is considered to be PM Theresa May’s deputy, is now “clinging to his job”, according to the tabloid.

Last month Mr Green faced claims by journalist Kate Maltby that he had sent her an inappropriate text message after an image of her in a corset appeared online.

He denied making any sexual advance to the journalist and described the allegation as “deeply hurtful”.

In 2015, Mr Green denied allegations that he had a profile on the website Ashley Madison, which encourages married people to cheat on their spouses.

Police originally raided his office in November 2008 during an investigation into leaks of government papers, which is when the material was reportedly found.

A police source was reported in The Sun as saying: “Porn was being accessed on an almost virtual daily basis.

“Police were told nothing could be done.

“Quite simply, it was not illegal to be in possession of extreme images before January 2009. If the raid had happened a few weeks later it would have been.”

Accessing extreme sexual images became an offence in January 2009 after a four-year battle by the parents of murdered Jane Longhurst.

Her killer had been regularly viewing extreme material on the internet.

An inquiry into whether Mr Green breached the Cabinet’s code of conduct after the claims of inappropriate behaviour made by Ms Maltby is continuing.

Damian Green