Conservative ministers are facing questions about why they backed the Labour MP Keith Vaz to join the Commons justice committee, just weeks after he stepped down from his position as chair of the home affairs committee over revelations about his private life. Around 150 Tory MPs, including dozens of ministers, voted for Vaz in what appeared to be a whipping operation in favour of his appointment. Vaz, a former Europe minister, resigned from the home affairs committee in September after claims that he paid for two male escorts at a time when the committee was investigating prostitution. It is believed to be the first time a vote on such an appointment has been held for decades. However, it is understood the Conservatives did not want to spark abattle with Labour over select committee appointments that could have seen some of its own candidates vetoed.

Source: The Guardian November 02, 2016 00:36 UTC