Welsh Labour MPs are keen to see the gap left by Ron Davies' resignation filled, but are insisting the candidate must not be imposed by London.

Mr Davies resigned as both Welsh secretary and Labour candidate for first secretary last week after what he called a "serious error of judgement".

As Mr Michael faces his first Commons question session as Welsh secretary later on Wednesday, more details are emerging of the robbery that led to Mr Davies's resignation.

Newspaper claims

The Sun newspaper is claiming that the former Welsh secretary had gay sex with two strangers on Clapham Common in south London before being held up at knifepoint.

The Sun's claims

The newspaper says Mr Davies was robbed while looking for a third partner.

Police have yet to comment on the paper's claims, which also include allegations that one of the men met by Mr Davies on the Common later attempted to blackmail him.

Police are also said to be asking Wandsworth Borough Council for closed circuit television tapes from Battersea Park, where the MP reportedly took a second walk with the man before he was robbed.

Six arrests

A sixth man was arrested on Tuesday in connection with the incident.

Although the sources for The Sun's report have not been revealed, Donald Fearon, who appeared in court charged with robbing Mr Davies, has denied speaking to the media.

His solicitors said: "He has not previously made contact with any members of the press or media concerning the allegations against him.

"He has not consented to or authorised anyone to give any account to the press or media.

"Concerning a number of reports already published and any further articles or stories that might appear, he would like to make it clear that such accounts have not come from him.

"He denied the allegations against him when questioned by the police and continues to deny the allegations.

Comeback strategy

Ron Davies: hoping for a comeback

Media reports alleging that the former Welsh secretary is gay have also been greeted with surprise by Mr Davies' older brother John.

Speaking on GMTV he said he would be surprised if his brother was gay. He added that he knew nothing of the events on the Common other than what has already been reported in the media.