John Whittingdale's position as culture, media and sport secretary has been questioned after he revealed he had a relationship with a sex worker.
Mr Whittingdale is facing calls to withdraw his involvement in regulation of the press after it was reported that a number of newspapers had investigated the claims but decided not to run the story.
Mr Whittingdale, who is divorced, insisted the relationship never compromised his position.
When John Whittingdale was appointed as Culture Secretary last year, he didn't tell the Prime Minister the press had potentially embarrassing information on him.
Months later, he said he would not impose financial punishments on newspapers that break the rules.
Did the newspapers hold off publishing because he was helping their interests?
ITV News Political Editor, Robert Peston reports:
There was no conspiracy between newspapers over the Whittingdale affair, but there is circumstantial evidence involving Tom Watson.
A Downing Street spokesman said the PM has 'full confidence' in the Culture Secretary after campaigners claim his role has been compromised.
Here is a list of key events leading up to Culture Secretary John Whittingdale's revelations on Tuesday he had an affair with a prostitute.