Ex-pastor turned Tory MP in grovelling apology to family over ‘affair’
Steve Double has previously campaigned to preserve “the traditional fabric of family life”
A FORMER pastor turned Tory MP issued a grovelling apology last night for behaving “completely inappropriately” in his marriage over an alleged affair.
Cornish Tory Steve Double has campaigned to preserve “the traditional fabric of family life”, but was last night fighting for his political career after allegations of infidelity.
The MP for St Austell and Newquay refused to give further details of his “inappropriate behaviour”, but confessed the statement was prompted by recent “speculation” about his marriage.
Mr Double — an MP since 2015 — employs his wife Anne as his senior caseworker and diary secretary.
The couple have been married for 30 years and have three sons.
Last year he stood on a promise to “support families, the foundation of the community” at the General Election, winning a majority of 8,173.
Yesterday none of his staff were willing to discuss the matter, but his office released a statement saying he “deeply regretted the pain I have caused those closest to me”.
Mr Double added he remained “committed to making our marriage a success” but remained tight lipped on the details of his bad behaviour.
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“I have behaved completely inappropriately and deeply regret the pain I have caused those closest to me,” he said.
“Anne and I are committed to being together and seeking to move forward in our marriage.
“I accept I have work to do to recover the trust and respect of those around me.
“I would respectfully request that people give us the time and space we need at this time.”
Close relationship: Steve Double said he is committed to making his marriage a success despite the alleged affair
Last night a Westminster source said: “Steve played away from home with another woman and his wife is furious, but she is taking him back.”
Anne Double said she was standing by her husband: “Although I have been deeply hurt I still love my husband.
“After almost 30 years I am committed to making our marriage a success for our future,” she added.
In March 2015 Mr Double wrote on his website that he believed “the traditional fabric of family and community life is under siege as never before.”
He wrote that as an MP he hoped to “provide community leadership and support the structures that bind us together”.
Claiming that he has “been involved in local church and charity work for most of my life including 12 years as a pastor”.
The Conservative Party did not respond to requests for a comment last night.
VIDEO: Tory MP, Steve Double says we should "Promote Bible teaching to kids"
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