May’s former chief of staff quits over 2,000 sex texts to two barmaids

Theresa May’s former chief of staff resigned from his ministerial post on Saturday night after being caught sexting.

Andrew Griffiths, the minister for small business, was caught sending 2,000 sexually explicit and “sadomasochistic” messages to two female constituents in their twenties.

Griffiths, the fourth minister to resign from Mrs May’s Government in a week, was “deeply ashamed at my behaviour” and vowed to get “professional help”.

A Government source described the behaviour as “depraved”. 0 Andrew Griffiths asked pair to send him explicit pictures

In the texts, Griffiths asked the women to send him explicit photos and videos and is also reported to have offered to rent a flat to meet the pair for sex.

Griffiths and his wife Kate had their first baby in April. He referred himself to the Tory party’s internal disciplinary process and was suspended after discussions with chief whip Julien Smith.

He said: “I do not seek to excuse my behaviour and will be seeking professional help to ensure it never happens again.

“In time I hope to earn the forgiveness of all those who put their trust in me and that I have let down so terribly.

“The Prime Minister and the Government she leads will continue to have my full support.”

Griffiths served as Mrs May’s chief of staff in opposition and became a minister in January.