Western Isles MP Angus MacNeil last night described the media storm around his alleged affair as an “awful personal invasion”.
He insisted his accommodation in London is claimed under normal expenses, and that the cost complies with the rules of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA).
The SNP MP added: “I don’t like to comment on my personal life or related tabloid stories, but my marriage sadly ended for very different reasons to what has been suggested.
“A journalist from a broadsheet told me to weather the tabloid storm best I can, frankly it feels like an awful personal invasion, where tabloids treat you like a commodity disregarding effects on children especially.
“However, there are many people in worse situations than me and I have many things to be grateful for.
“On the plus side at times like this you see the decency of normal, sensible people.
“It has been a challenging week in which I am continuing to do my job and keep appointments as planned.”
