AN MP who made repeated unwanted sexual advances to a member of staff has apologised for the "breach of trust".

Rob Roberts was stripped of the Tory whip after a complaints panel found he abused his position of authority and broke Parliament’s sexual misconduct policy.

The Independent Expert Panel (IEP) found that Mr Roberts made repeated and unwanted advances towards the man.

He faces a six week suspension from Parliament - but it will only be imposed if it is approved by MPs.

A loophole means the Conservative MP may escape the prospect of his constituents forcing a by-election despite the serious punishment.

The disgraced MP apologised and said the “breach of trust” was “completely improper and should not have happened”.

Rob Roberts MP.

Rob Roberts MP.

Mr Roberts said: “In the first half of 2020, I was in a particularly challenging place personally and had taken the decision to leave my marriage of 15 years and come out as being gay.

“At around the same time, I asked a male member of Parliamentary staff to dinner in the hope of striking up a personal relationship. I recognise that this breach of trust in the MP-staff relationship was completely improper and should not have happened.

“I apologised at the time and do so again to the complainant but also to my colleagues, family and most importantly my constituents.

“I will continue to do my utmost to serve my constituency as I have over the past 18 months since my election, and this judgment will not alter my resolve to ensure that the people of Delyn get the assistance they need with pressing local issues.

“It is the greatest honour of my life to represent the constituency in which I grew up and have lived my whole life, and I will work tirelessly to restore any faith which has been lost by this ruling.”

A Conservative Party spokesman said: “We would like to apologise to the individual concerned for the inappropriate and unwarranted treatment they were subjected to by someone in a position of authority.

“There is no place for the behaviour they were subjected to and we praise their courage in coming forward.

“In light of the outcome of the standards investigation, Rob Roberts MP has had the Conservative Party whip suspended.”

Downing Street suggested the loophole preventing a by-election could be closed.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “The Government is now considering next steps and will update shortly.”

Labour’s chairwoman Anneliese Dodds called for Mr Roberts to resign and pressed for emergency legislation to address the recall issue.

“The report fully upholds the sexual harassment allegations made against Rob Roberts MP. He should therefore resign his seat with immediate effect,” she said.

“That such serious and proven abuse doesn’t automatically result in the recall of a sitting Member of Parliament is both absurd and unjust.

“The Conservative Government cannot dance around gaps in legislation if it is serious about upholding standards in public life.”