The Labour MP Keith Vaz was accused of failing to co-operate with an investigation into his behaviour

Keith Vaz could serve only three days of a recommended six-month suspension because of the impending general election, and will not be disqualified from standing again.

The veteran Labour MP broke the MPs’ code of conduct by showing “disregard for the law” in allegedly offering to buy cocaine for male escorts he had hired in 2016, and by failing to co-operate with the investigation into his behaviour, an inquiry found this week.

The Commons watchdog said that he ought to face a six-month ban from parliament, which must be approved by MPs before it takes effect.

There were fears that he would escape the proposed sanctions altogether because parliament is due to rise for an election next week but it is understood that Jacob Rees-Mogg,