Mr Vaz, a father of two, was last night said to have made it clear that he will step aside as chairman of the committee, which is currently examining prostitution in the UK, after the allegations were made public.

In a statement reported by The Mail on Sunday, he said: “I am genuinely sorry for the hurt and distress that has been caused by my actions in particular to my wife and children.

“I will be informing the Committee on Tuesday of my intention to stand aside from chairing the sessions of the Committee with immediate effect.

“At this time I do not want there to be any distraction from the important work the Committee undertakes so well.”