Neil Parish has formally resigned as an MP after admitting watching pornography in the House of Commons.
Reports emerged last week that an MP had been seen watching pornography on the Commons benches.
Mr Parish then came forward, admitting that he had twice watched pornography in the chamber.
He claimed the first time was accidental after looking at tractors online but that the second was “a moment of madness”.
The 65-year-old farmer announced that he would be resigning after recognising the “furore” and “damage” he was causing his family and constituency.
A statement from the Treasury said they had formally appointed Mr Parish, a Conservative, to be Steward and Bailiff of the Manor of Northstead – a formality allowing MPs resign from office.
The announcement will trigger a by-election for the MP’s seat of Tiverton and Honiton, which is in Devon, though no date has yet been set.
It had been held since 2010 by Mr Parish, who at the 2019 general election enjoyed a majority of more than 24,000.
It comes after another Tory MP, Imran Ahmad Khan, resigned as MP for Wakefield after he was found guilty of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old boy.
