Mark Oaten, Liberal Democrats' Home Affairs spokesperson, has resigned over an alleged affair with a young man, according to local media on Sunday.

 

Oaten, 41, stepped down after The News of the World confronted the MP with the sex scandal allegations. He has apologized for the embarrassment he has caused to his family and the party.

 

The paper said his liaisons with a 23-year-old man during 2004 and 2005 included three-in-a-bed sex.

 

Oaten said, "I would like to apologize for errors of judgment in my personal behavior and for the embarrassment caused, firstly to my family but also to my friends, my constituents and my party."

 

The revelations follow the resignation of former leader Charles Kennedy after he admitted being treated for alcoholism.

 

Oaten, MP for Winchester, had been a contender to head the party but stepped out of the race.

 

(Xinhua News Agency January 23, 2006)