Cheating MP admits affair with aide lasted for ‘weeks’ – but denies using £50-a-night Bodmin Travelodge for trysts
Speaking from beachfront in Tel Aviv, Israel, the politician said he was 'working hard to rebuild trust' with wife Anne, 52
CHEATING MP Steve Double bedded his aide for weeks, he admitted yesterday.
The confession came after wife Anne said she would stand by him.
Former pastor Mr Double, who is in Israel for a conference, confirmed his affair with married Sarah Bunt, 26.
But the politician was forced to deny using a £50-a-night Travelodge in Bodmin for the trysts, saying: “I am not going to discuss details of what went on. This is between my wife and I.”
Speaking from his Tel Aviv hotel, he said: “It was Sarah — and it was recent. It wasn’t a one-off but only a few weeks.
“I was truly wrong and I deeply regret what I have done and the pain it has caused to those close to me.
“I’m working hard to rebuild that trust and respect.”
Mr Double became an MP last year after campaigning for family values.
Anne, 52, his wife of 30 years, had been due to go with him to Israel for the travel and tourism event before news of his betrayal broke.
Wearing shorts and T-shirt at his beachfront hotel, Mr Double said: “I’m finding it difficult being here, I’d rather be with them (my family), but I committed to being here so I’m here.”
He added: “I have behaved completely inappropriately and deeply regret the pain I have caused those closest to me.
“Anne and I are committed to being together and seeking to move forward in our marriage."
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The couple have three sons and share a £350,000 four-bedroom home in an upmarket cul-de-sac in St Austell, Cornwall.
A speedboat named ‘Yes you can’, an old caravan and a 4x4 sit on the driveway.
Anne, who worked in Mr Double’s St Austell and Newquay constituency office with Sarah, did not speak as she left her home yesterday.
But she previously said: “I’m not throwing away 30 years of marriage for the sake of a few hours.”
Sarah, also refused to comment as she left the home she shares with husband Matthew, 33, in Newquay.
Members of Double's constituency last night called for him to resign, calling him a hypocrite for promoting Christian family values while having an affair.
Anne and I are committed to being together and seeking to move forward in our marriage
Steve Double MP
Wayne McIntosh said: "He was a pastor – he preached about morality and family values.
"Yet whilst his wife was working every hour he was lying in bed with his researcher.
"He must resign his seat and I hope Anne stands in his place."
Garry Kernow added: "He bleated on about his family values and his Christian morals to get elected and then does this.
"He is a disgrace."
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