British Labour MP Keith Vaz is reportedly standing down as chairman of the influential Commons Home Affairs committee after a newspaper alleged he paid for the services of male escorts.
The Sunday Mirror alleged Vaz met the men at his flat in north west London on August 27.
In a statement, Vaz said: "It is deeply disturbing that a national newspaper should have paid individuals to have acted in this way. I have referred these allegations to my solicitor Mark Stephens of Howard Kennedy who will consider them carefully and advise me accordingly."
In a separate statement issued to the Mail on Sunday, the Leicester East MP said: "I am genuinely sorry for the hurt and distress that has been caused by my actions, in particular to my wife and children.
"I will be informing the Committee on Tuesday of my intention to stand aside from chairing the sessions of the Committee with immediate effect."
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
Naz Shah, a member of the Home Affairs Committee, told Sky News she had spoken to Vaz, adding "he has done the right thing" by standing aside.
A Labour Party spokeswoman told the Press Association: "Keith Vaz has issued a statement on this matter.
"As with all departmental select committees, Keith was elected to the chair of the Home Affairs Select Committee by the House of Commons, and his position is a matter for him and the House."
The Home Affairs Committee is currently probing a review of prostitution laws.
