Tory reveals romance with a family friend

Mid Bedfordshire MP Nadine Dorries said that she is in the "early days" with John Butler after the nature of their relationship changed over the Christmas period.

Ms Dorries was engulfed in major row two years ago when former Downing Street spin doctor Damian McBride sent an e-mail containing allegations about her private life.

The MP later announced plans to sue over the e-mail which was sent to Labour activist Derek Draper.

Downing Street later said the allegations, which led to McBride's resignation, were completely unfounded.

The 53-year-old politician, who left her husband in 2006, said in a statement yesterday: "I can confirm that I am in the early stages of a romantic relationship with John Butler.

"John and I have been friends for many years and the status of our relationship altered over the Christmas period following his decision to leave his wife.

"We both have the full support of our five teenage- and young-adult daughters who have been our first consideration throughout."

Mr Butler said in a statement posted on the MP's blog that he has been a good friend of Ms Dorries for the past 13 years.

He claimed that the decision to leave his wife Rachael was not connected to him getting together with Ms Dorries.

"I have the full support of my two daughters, family and friends who have been incredibly kind with the generosity and care that they have shown towards us," he said.

"My decision to leave Rachael was taken separately from that to enter a relationship with Nadine. Had I not known Nadine, I would still have left Rachael. I now hope to be able to create a more peaceful stable, family environment for my two daughters."

The blog also included a message of support from Mr Butler's daughter Lucy, who was described the MP as having been "wonderfully supportive".

"My father has always been a rock in the lives of my sister and me," the statement added.