Neil Parish has formally resigned as an MP after admitting watching pornography in the House of Commons.

Reports emerged last week that an MP had been seen watching pornography on the Commons benches.

Mr Parish then came forward, admitting that he had twice watched pornography in the chamber.

He claimed the first time was accidental after looking at tractors online but that the second was “a moment of madness”.

The 65-year-old farmer announced that he would be resigning after recognising the “furore” and “damage” he was causing his family and constituency.

A statement from the Treasury formally appointed Mr Parish, a Conservative, to be Steward and Bailiff of the Manor of Northstead – a formality allowing MPs resign from office.

The announcement will mean a by-election for the MP’s seat of Tiverton and Honiton, which is in Devon, though no date has yet been set.

Related posts:

Tory MP told to apologise for acting in ‘threatening and intimidating’ manner towards staff Johnson is desperate not to be Mr Reverse – so for now he is Mr Delay People guilty of racist abuse of footballers online will be banned from matches, PM says PM had a simple option over stance on taking the knee – but carelessly stumbled into a row Russian invasion of Ukraine would be ‘very dangerous moment’ for world, foreign secretary warns Children aged 5-11 in Scotland to be offered COVID vaccine, Sturgeon confirms Ending free COVID testing a mistake and will make pandemic worse, Starmer says West ‘blinked’ on Ukraine crisis and sanctions will push Russia towards China, senior MP warns ‘Knackered’ Cameron completes delivery of vital supplies to Ukrainian refugees despite renting lorry with ‘no spare tyre’ Rishi Sunak says Russian sanctions ‘not cost free’ for Britons and warns of ‘difficult times ahead’ Senior Foreign Office whistleblower accuses top civil servant of misleading MPs over Afghanistan evacuation Coffey commits to pensions triple lock being honoured for remainder of the Parliament