英自民党、ゲイ不倫発覚のオーテン国会議員「私は辞めたくない」

Last Updated: Thursday, 2 February 2006, 07:43 GMT
Oaten 'wants to continue as MP' - BBC

Mark Oaten hopes to continue as a Liberal Democrat MP despite his involvement in a sex scandal.

In his first interview since newspaper revelations of an affair with a male prostitute, father-of-two Mr Oaten said his priority was to save his marriage.

The Winchester MP, a former Lib Dem leadership hopeful, told the Hampshire Chronicle he was heartened by messages of support from all over the country.

Mr Oaten, 41, resigned as the party's home affairs spokesman last month.

The News of the World revealed he had a relationship with a 23-year-old male prostitute.

The scandal came shortly after Lib Dem leader Charles Kennedy admitted he had been an alcoholic and resigned his post.

Understand and forgive

Last week Simon Hughes, the party's chairman and leadership contender, said Mr Oaten still had a future in Parliament.

Mr Hughes said: "He's stood down from the front bench - that is the price he's paid. I don't think it follows that you stand down as an MP.

"If you look back in history, many people have given up office but they have continued to serve their constituents very well."

Mr Hughes said he hoped people would understand and forgive Mr Oaten.

Chris Huhne and Sir Menzies Campbell are the other MPs competing to be the party's new leader.