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A probe into whether disgraced Labour MP Keith Vaz broke strict rules over MPs' conduct has been reopened.

Parliament’s Commissioner for Standards Kathryn Hudson launched the inquiry after the Labour MP was accused of paying for prostitutes and was taped discussing paying for cocaine.

It was initially launched in September 2016 but immediately suspended because of a probe by Scotland Yard.

Police decided to close the investigation in December 2016 after examining new evidence and taking advice from the CPS.

(Image: Sunday Mirror)

This allowed the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards to begin to examine whether the former Europe minister had caused "significant damage" to the reputation of Parliament.

But after a year the investigation was suspended because of "medical reasons".

Today the Parliamentary Commissioner's office confirmed that the probe had been reopened after a suspension in December because of "Mr Vaz's ill health" and on the basis of "independent medical advice".

The investigation into whether he broke strict Commons rules over MPs’ conduct was launched after a Sunday Mirror revealed he had paid two male escorts for their services.

In 2016, the Leicester East MP issued a public apology to his wife and children, and quit as chairman of the influential Commons Home Affairs Committee, following the reports.

Mr Vaz had a conversation regarding cocaine with one of the male escorts in which the MP said he did not want to use the drug, but indicated that he would pay for it for the other man at a later date.

(Image: Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)

In December 2016, Scotland Yard dropped an investigation into Mr Vaz over the allegations allowing the Standards Commissioner to begin her inquiry.

At the time a spokesman for the Met said the force had received a letter asking police to look infor the matter following the publication of the allegations in the Sunday Mirror.

He confirmed that the letter was passed to the Special Enquiry Team, part of Specialist Crime and Operations, who started an assessment process to identify what criminal offences - if any - may have been committed.

"Following that assessment, which included obtaining early investigative advice from the Crown Prosecution Service, the MPS started an investigation in November.

"During the investigation new information was received and additional advice obtained from the CPS, following which the MPS has made the decision to close the investigation with no person being charged."

The probe by Kathryn Hudson will determine whether Mr Vaz was guilty of a conflict of interest as he headed the Home Affairs Committee's review of vice laws at the time of the allegations regarding male escorts.

The watchdog was also looking into whether the former Europe minister has caused "significant damage" to the reputation of Parliament.

Keith Vaz's office has been contacted for comment.