MP Griffiths took 71 pictures of tryst with Commons mistress

Published on Monday 30 March 2009 02:34

FURTHER details emerged last night about a Scottish MP's tryst with a woman in his House of Commons office.

Nigel Griffiths, who admitted cheating on his wife in a sexual liaison with another woman, initially denied the affair.

However, he later admitted the encounter with an un-named woman took place after photographs of their tryst on a sofa in his parliamentary office were printed in a newspaper.

Mr Griffiths, the MP for Edinburgh South, said he had "little recollection" of the event. His lawyer blamed this on Mr Griffiths being under "the influence of alcohol" at the time.

But yesterday it emerged the MP took 71 pictures both in his office and later at a second location during the liaison. He then transferred the pictures from his camera to his laptop.

One image shows the woman, dressed in underwear and black stockings, reclining next to a litter bin which appears to contain confidential documents.

Yesterday his actions were criticised by a High Court judge.

In a ruling denying Mr Griffiths an injunction against a Sunday newspaper, Mr Justice King said: "I accept the fact the claimant has not only taken pictures but also downloaded them does not sit easy with his public statement that he is ashamed and has little recollection."

Last week the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner cleared the MP of any wrongdoing.

Yesterday Mr Griffiths' wife, Sally, appeared to be standing by her husband after the pair were seen leaving their Edinburgh home together.

Mr Griffiths was born in Glasgow on 20 May, 1955, attended Hawick comprehensive school and studied at Edinburgh University.

He first became a member of the Labour Party at the age of 15. In 1983 and 1984, he worked for Gordon Brown as a researcher, and later became a friend – with the Prime Minister acting as best man at the couple's wedding.

Mr Griffiths had a majority of just 405 at the last general election and is facing a determined campaign by the Liberal Democrats, who have already captured the equivalent Holyrood seat.

He has already been reselected as candidate for the next election. Despite the allegations, insiders say there is little likelihood of him resigning or being deselected.

The MP had been construction and enterprise minister before his promotion to deputy leader of the Commons, but resigned two years ago in protest at the decision to renew the Trident nuclear weapons system.

Earlier, Downing Street refused to comment. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "Nigel Griffiths is not a member of the government."