Braintree MP Quits After Sex Scandal Allegations

Just hours before the Conservative party conference starts, Braintree MP, Brooks Newmark, has resigned over allegations he sent explicit photos of himself to an undercover reporter.

Cabinet Office minister Brooks Newmark has resigned as minister for civil society after reportedly sending explicit pictures of himself online to an undercover newspaper reporter in a tabloid sting.

The Tory MP for Braintree stepped down after learning that the Sunday Mirror was about to publish details of their exchanges.

In a statement the Braintree MP says he remained "a loyal supporter of this government".

His resignation comes hours after fellow Tory MP Mark Reckless said he was quitting the party to join UKIP.

A Downing Street spokesman said Prime Minister David Cameron had accepted Mr Newmark's resignation as a minister.

Mr Newmark, 56, said: "I have decided to resign as minister for civil society having been notified of a story to be published in a Sunday newspaper.

"I would like to appeal for the privacy of my family to be respected at this time.

"I remain a loyal supporter of this Government as its long term economic plan continues to deliver for the British people."

Mr Newmark, who has been the MP for Braintree since 2005, became minister for civil society in July.

Photo credit: PA Wire