Disgraced politician Keith Vaz reports MP to sleaze watchdog claiming they have harmed his reputation
He suggests North West Leicestershire MP Andrew Bridgen's complaint is outside the scope of the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner
DISGRACED politician Keith Vaz has reported a fellow MP to Parliament’s sleaze watchdog – accusing him of harming his reputation.
The Parliamentary Standards Commissioner (PSC) has opened an investigation over allegations Mr Vaz paid two rent boys for sex.
In hidden camera footage he was also reportedly taped discussing buying cocaine.
The watchdog will also rule on whether the former Labour minister’s behaviour caused “significant damage” to the reputation of Parliament.
However, the Standards Commissioner’s inquiry has been suspended until the outcome of a police probe of the sordid affair.
The Commons investigation was prompted by a complaint by fellow MP Andrew Bridgen who “welcomed this announcement.”
But it has now emerged Mr Vaz has reported Mr Bridgen to the same watchdog – saying he had breached the code of conduct.
reports Mr Vaz is suggesting his rival’s complaint was outside the scope of the PSC.
In a letter he highlights a section of the rules that says the commissioner cannot look into matters that are about their conduct “in their purely and personal lives”.
The married father of two quit as chair of the powerful Home Affairs Select Committee amid the allegations he paid for sex with a pair of Romanian escorts.
He reportedly told one he would pay for him to buy cocaine to bring to his flat.
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Tory MP Andrew Bridgen wrote to Met Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe about the matter.
He suggested Mr Vaz may have engaged in “conspiracy to supply a controlled substance”.
He also called for an investigation into possible misconduct in public office.
Scotland Yard’s Special Enquiry Team is running the probe into whether Mr Vaz, 59, broke the law and will “assess and identify” any crimes potentially committed.
The SET, whose detectives are hand-picked for their discretion, has been dubbed the “Celebrity Squad” after previous probes into Jeffrey Archer and Kate Moss.
Scotland Yard said in a statement that officers will “assess and identify what criminal offences — if any — may have been committed”.
A decision will then be taken on a possible full-scale investigation into Mr Vaz, who wishes to remain Labour MP for Leicester East.
Experts say Mr Vaz did not break prostitution laws as he did not solicit sex in a public place or offer his flat to be used for the purpose.
Officers will assess claims Mr Vaz told a rent boy to buy cocaine before allowing its use at the flat in Edgware, North London.
Cops will also study allegations that a man linked to Mr Vaz’s diabetes charity Silver Star settled at least part of the escorts’ bill.
Two deposits of £150 were paid into a bank account, including one on August 5 with the reference “painting”.
There is no suggestion the man knew the money might be being used to pay for sex.