AN East Hampshire Liberal Democrat has backed Mark Oaten to stay on as an MP, despite allegations that he had sex with a male prostitute. Mr Oaten, whose Winchester constituency includes Alresford, stepped down as the Lib Dem home affairs spokesman over claims in a national newspaper that he had several sessions with a 23-year-old rent boy. The father-of-two apologised to his family, after the allegations at the weekend, and appealed for privacy, before going into hiding. Party member Ruth Bright, the prospective parliamentary candidate for East Hampshire in the last general election, said Mr Oaten had acted "honourably" by giving up his front- bench position quickly. "I think largely it is a personal matter and Mark acted very honourably by resigning quickly and everyone agrees, even people from different political parties, that he is a very good constituency MP," Mrs Bright said. "I don't think that it is necessary for him to stand down as an MP. He has been very clear and honest about this and I think people should be happy with that." Mrs Bright said she didn't think the revelations would affect the party's national standing. "I think I very much agree with Menzies Campbell, the party is bigger than one individual," she said. "There is a lot of sympathy for Mark and his family but I doubt that will really affect the party generally and the national standing." The leader of the party in East Hampshire, Dr Tony Ludlow, declined to comment on the matter. "I would prefer not to comment on personal matters," he said. "I think it is best to leave time and space for him to work things out." The allegations came just days after Mr Oaten withdrew from the party leadership race - called after Charles Kennedy stepped down after admitting he had a drink problem. He said the other three contenders, party president Simon Hughes, treasury spokesman Chris Huhne and deputy leader and foreign affairs spokesman Sir Menzies Campbell, had much more support among MPs. In a statement issued before the rent-boy allegations came to light, Mr Oaten said: "Unfortunately my vision for this party was unable to attract enough support among my parliamentary colleagues. "I would like to thank Lembit (Opik) for his untiring and energetic support, but recent events have proven that it is unwise to try and lead a party without substantial parliamentary backing. "I have been genuinely overwhelmed by the support I have received from both party members and wider public and I would like to apologise to them for not following through with the campaign. Party members now have the opportunity to vote for three very able candidates, each of whom has different qualities and aspirations to offer the party. "I'm looking forward to a quiet weekend with my family before making any decisions on what the future may hold." Mr Oaten's deputy, Alistair Carmichael, has taken over temporarily as home affairs spokesman. • Nominations for Mr Kennedy's successor closed on Wednesday. Ballot papers will be sent out to members on February 6. Voting will close on March 1 and the result will be announced the following day.
