Tory MP Greg Barker has hit out against “tabloid intrusion” following front page revelations that he left his wife for a man.
Barker, 38, has been tight-lipped following the national press stories this week.
But his local paper – the Bexhill Observer – today claimed an exclusive interview.
Barker told the paper: “Sadly it is a matter of record that we had an amicable separation in July this year. Both of us abhor the tabloid intrusion into our private life.
"We are both very grateful for the local messages of support that we have received.
"I want to assure everybody that I will do my best to ensure it is business as usual in the coming weeks in my constituency."
The paper also reported a family friend of the MP saying: “What has appeared in several national newspapers is either grossly inaccurate or simply old news.
"Greg and Celeste dealt with this months ago. Since then they separated, but conducted themselves in a dignified and mutually supportive way.
"They are still very close to each other and their first concern is to limit the distress to their three children, who are aged 11, seven and five.
"This matter has no bearing on him as being the local MP for the Bexhill and Battle area."
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