A peer who was secretly filmed allegedly snorting drugs off a sex worker’s breasts has been urged to resign from the House of Lords.
Lord John Sewel, who was previously a minister in Tony Blair’s government, stepped down from his position as deputy speaker and Chairman of Committees after a video purporting to show him taking drugs with two women was published by the Sun on Sunday.
In further pictures published by the Sun on Monday, he is shown smoking a cigarette in an orange bra and a leather jacket.
He is now facing calls to retire from the chamber completely before being expelled.
Baroness Frances D’Souza, the Lord Speaker, said in a statement that she found the married peer’s behaviour “shocking and unacceptable” and would refer it to the Metropolitan Police.
Lady D'Souza said: “Lord Sewel has this morning resigned as chairman of committees.
Lord Sewel, who has resigned as Lords Deputy Speaker after The Sun on Sunday published video of him allegedly taking drugs with prostitutes, sources at the House of Lords said.
“The House of Lords will continue to uphold standards in public life and will not tolerate departure from these standards.
"These serious allegations will be referred to the House of Lords Commissioner for Standards and the Metropolitan Police for investigation as a matter of urgency."
Read More: Lord Sewel quits as Deputy Speaker of House of Lords and faces police investigation following drugs and sex workers claims
But according to Sun, he has “no intention” of standing down.
Legislation passed earlier this year means peers can now be forced to resign or be expelled from the House if they are believed to have violated the newly strengthened code of conduct.
If Lord Sewel is removed he will be the first person to be expelled because of the Act.
In his role as Chairman of the Privileges and Conduct Committee, Lord Sewel was responsible for upholding standards in the House.
On Sunday evening, Labour MP John Mann insisted Lord Sewel should leave voluntarily before he is expelled.
He said: "He chaired the committee that makes the decisions on discipline. It was his committee.
"He cannot possibly go in front of his own committee and expect a serious hearing. He is a disgrace. He should retire and resign immediately.
"A lifetime ban would be the committee's only option. He needs to save them and himself further embarrassment and go now."
A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said: “We are aware of the story in the Sun and any allegation will be investigated.”
Additional reporting by PA
