Mark Garnier apologises to constituents over sex toy allegations

Wyre Forest MP, Mark Garnier, who is under investigation for alleged inappropriate behaviour towards a member of his Commons staff has apologised to his constituents.

International Trade Minister Mark Garnier said the events involving his then secretary, Caroline Edmondson, had been reported "outside the context and circumstances in which they occurred".

However he told his local newspaper, The Shuttle in Kidderminster, that the public was entitled to expect "high standards of behaviour" from elected representatives.

Theresa May ordered the Cabinet Office to investigate whether Mr Garnier had broken the ministerial code after it was reported last month that he had asked Ms Edmondson to buy sex toys and had called her "sugar tits" in front of witnesses.

Mr Garnier has not denied the claims but said his conduct did not amount to harassment.

He told The Shuttle: