Sewel stands down over ‘Sun’ story

The Metropolitan Police have launched an investigation into allegations of drug use by Lord Sewel and executed a warrant on an address in central London, saying no arrests have been made at this stage.

Lord Sewel said on Monday he will request a leave of absence from the House of Lords until investigations into allegations that he took drugs while cavorting with prostitutes are completed.

Scotland Yard and a parliamentary watchdog are looking into claims about the former minister's behaviour after the Sun on Sunday published video allegedly showing him snorting cocaine naked with two women.

During his leave of absence, Lord Sewel will not be able to claim any allowances and must give three months’ notice if he wants to attend the House.

Lord Sewel is under intense pressure to quit the House of Lords over the allegations after prime minister David Cameron questioned his future as a peer.

The former academic quit his £84,500-a-year (€118,000) role as deputy speaker of the Lords, which included overseeing conduct issues in the upper house, and has since been suspended from the Labour Party.

Very serious

Mr Cameron indicated that Lord Sewel should be kicked out of the Lords over the “very serious” allegations. Senior peers said the married father should quit immediately.

Speaking to reporters in Jakarta, the prime minister said: “I think it’s right he has stood down from his committee posts and I’m sure further questions will be asked about whether it is appropriate to have someone legislating and acting in the House of Lords if they have genuinely behaved in this way.

“It’s still going to take some time, I suspect, to get to the full truth.”

The Sun's footage shows the peer snorting white powder, alleged to be cocaine, from a prostitute's breasts using a £5 note.

He is also pictured wearing an orange bra and leather jacket as he reclines smoking a cigarette. – (PA)