Drugs probe launched into MP Keith Vaz after escort scandal

A drugs investigation has been launched into MP Keith Vaz after allegations were made against his private life.

The married politician quit as chairman of the House of Commons Home Affairs committee in September after a paper claimed he paid for the services of two male escorts.

He was apparently secretly filmed talking about drugs with the escorts.

The paper claimed Mr Vaz, 59, would pay for cocaine but that he would not use the Class A drug himself.

Police received a letter in September asking them to look into the matter, and the Special Enquiry Team began an assessment process to see "what criminal offences - if any - may have been committed".

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said: "Following that assessment, which included obtaining early investigative advice from the Crown Prosecution Service, the MPS is now investigating offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

"The investigation started on Thursday, 10 November."

Tory MP Andrew Bridgen said he would write to Scotland Yard to call for the MP to be investigated for misconduct in a public office, and conspiracy to supply controlled substances.

Mr Vaz, a father of two and Labour MP for Leicester East, reportedly welcomed the police's investigation.

In the wake of allegations, he was then appointed to the justice committee, a powerful committee which oversees Britain’s justice system, on 31 October.