MP's 'shame' after Commons sex scandal story

A Labour MP said today that he was "ashamed" after it was reported he cheated on his wife inside the House of Commons.

Edinburgh South MP Nigel Griffiths said his behaviour had "fallen below acceptable standards" after details of his private life were published at the weekend.

The News of The World said he had a tryst with another woman in his office at the House of Commons on Remembrance Day last year.

Mr Griffiths, who has been married to wife Sally for 30 years, said today: "I am, of course, ashamed that my conduct did fall below acceptable standards.

"I have little recollection of the evening but that does not make it right."

The politician, who is a friend of Prime Minister Gordon Brown, was previously deputy leader of the House of Commons.

He resigned from Government in March 2007 over his opposition to funding new Trident nuclear submarines.

Mr Griffiths has held a number of other government positions, including Construction Minister and Enterprise Minister.

Members of Parliament must follow the Code of Conduct.

It states: "Members shall at all times conduct themselves in a manner which will tend to maintain and strengthen the public's trust and confidence in the integrity of Parliament and never undertake any action which would bring the House of Commons, or its Members generally, into disrepute."

In 2002 the Commons Standards and Privileges Committee found Mr Griffiths had made "technically defective" claims for office costs.

They recommended that he should face no further action.