Lord John Sewel

LONDON: A British politician on Monday said he would go on an unpaid leave of absence from the House of Lords pending an investigation after he was filmed allegedly snorting drugs off a prostitute’s breasts.

Lord John Sewel resigned as deputy speaker of parliament’s upper house after The Sun newspaper published its sting on Sunday and Monday but he is facing pressure to quit the chamber entirely.

The paper’s front page on Monday showed the former government minister relaxing in an orange bra and leather jacket belonging to a prostitute.

“I wish to take leave of absence from the House as soon as it can be arranged,” he said in a letter to parliamentary authorities.

“I have no intention of returning to the House in any way until the current investigations have been completed, when in the light of their outcome I will review my long-term position,” he added.

The married 69-year-old left his 115,600 euros a year salaried post at the House of Lords after the scandal first broke.

Sewel would, however, have been able to claim a daily allowance like all members of the House of Lords.

Once on leave of absence he will be unable to receive that allowance for attendance.

He would also have to give three months’ notice to return to the House of Lords from his leave.

The announcement came after Prime Minister David Cameron questioned whether it would be “appropriate” for Lord Sewel to continue approving laws despite the “very serious allegations” against him.

Published in Dawn, July 28th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play