MP Griffiths says he is 'ashamed'

Nigel Griffiths: Quit as a minister over Trident decision

Labour MP Nigel Griffiths says he is "ashamed" after the News of the World reported that he cheated on his wife inside the House of Commons.

The Edinburgh South MP was a Labour minister until resigning in 2007 over the decision to renew the Trident nuclear weapons system.

He said he had "little recollection of the evening" but said his behaviour had "fallen below acceptable standards".

Mr Griffiths has been married to his wife Sally for 30 years.

In a statement following the newspaper's account of events on Remembrance Day in 2008 he said: "I am, of course, ashamed that my conduct did fall below acceptable standards. I have little recollection of the evening but that does not make it right."

The politician, a long-time friend of Prime Minister Gordon Brown, had been deputy leader of the House of Commons before resigning two years ago.

He had previously been construction minister and enterprise minister.

Downing Street refused to be drawn on Mr Griffiths' conduct on Monday. The prime minister's official spokesman said: "Nigel Griffiths is not a member of the government."