Your Views: Is it in the public interest to expose the details of a politician’s sex life? Starting today, we’re asking readers for their thoughts on an issue of the day for a new feature in the […]

Starting today, we’re asking readers for their thoughts on an issue of the day for a new feature in the i print edition and on inews.

As Keith Vaz responds to claims made by the Sunday Mirror that he “paid for male escorts”, we asked i readers on social media: is it in the public interest to expose the details of a politician’s sex life?

I would prefer that politicians be removed for their treatment of the people of the UK, and not who they choose to have sex with.

Karen Weeks

i's opinion newsletter: talking points from today Email address is invalid Email address is invalid Thank you for subscribing! Sorry, there was a problem with your subscription.

Keith Vaz’s select committee took a fairly combative and patronising tone with two female prostitutes it interviewed. Surely it was relevant if the chairman was a user of prostitutes? I am in favour of legalised prostitution but I am against hypocrisy. I am normally against kiss and tell, but in this case Vaz’s alleged private conduct may have been directly relevant to the work of his committee.

David Hawkins

The Oscar Wilde exhibition that has just opened at Reading Prison is a fascinating insight into a time, long ago, when a person’s sexual preferences were a matter of public interest. Hmm.

Steve Josling

If this story is true it should be public knowledge because of Mr Vaz’s extra responsibilities in Parliament. Two things need to be considered – the truth of the story and the story’s relevance to public affairs. Two cabinet ministers having an affair does not need to be widely published, but a minister sharing a mistress with a Russian diplomat is entirely different.

Bill Fearnley-Whittingstall

Normally I would say it’s none of our business but in this case, Vaz deals with prostitution and legal highs in his job, both of which come up in the allegations. Therefore, there are questions over whether he is doing what he is paid to do – making careful, unbiased decisions for the benefit of the people. Equally, the story was published for titillation, not out of genuine concern for public good. I do feel sorry that his sexual conduct may have a disproportionate impact on his career.

Fleur Lewis

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to respond to future questions.