Former Leicester MP Keith Vaz voted into new constituency role Published duration 15 January

image copyright PA Media image caption Keith Vaz was suspended from the Commons for six months following a parliamentary investigation

A former Labour MP who is being investigated by a parliamentary watchdog has been elected as the boss of his former local constituency.

Keith Vaz stood down as Leicester East MP after 32 years following his six-month suspension from the Commons.

He was suspended over allegations he "expressed willingness" to purchase cocaine for male prostitutes.

On Tuesday, Mr Vaz was voted in as the new chairman of the constituency Labour party (CLP) in Leicester East.

The current MP Claudia Webbe was not at the meeting.

The previous chairman of the CLP, John Thomas, resigned in November, criticising Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and calling him a "clown".

image copyright Leicester City Council image caption Former chairman John Thomas resigned claiming Jeremy Corbyn turned Labour "into a laughing stock"

Reacting to the vote, Conservative MP for North West Leicestershire, Andrew Bridgen, said it was an "extremely disappointing" decision.

"Keith Vaz has been a malign influence on local and national politics for far too long," he said.

"It is extremely disappointing that the Labour Party think he is a suitable person to chair the Leicester East association."

There have been reports an assault took place outside the meeting at the Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre and Leicestershire Police confirmed it was investigating.

Keith Vaz has been contacted for a comment.

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