Labour MP Keith Vaz has resigned as chairman of the Home Affairs Select Committee just days after becoming embroiled in a male escorts scandal.

In a statement, he said: "I told the Committee today of my decision to stand aside immediately from Committee business, and my intention to resign."

Mr Vaz said the Committee's work should "be conducted without any distractions whatsoever", and "those who hold others to account, must themselves be accountable."

"This is my decision, and mine alone, and my first consideration has been the effect of recent events on my family", he added.

Senior Conservative MP Tim Loughton has been recommended by Mr Vaz as his replacement until a new chairman is elected.

In a public show of defiance, the Labour MP appeared in the House of Commons chamber on Monday amid reports he could face a vote of no confidence from his fellow MPs if he refused to step aside voluntarily.

Prime Minister Theresa May added pressure when she said that voters must have confidence in their politicians.

On a visit to the G20 summit in China, Mrs May said: "What Keith does is for Keith and any decisions he wishes to make are for him."

Mr Vaz, a married father-of-two, is facing a possible investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards after the male escort story appeared in the Sunday Mirror.

The newspaper claims Mr Vaz met two male prostitutes for sex in a property he owned less than a mile from his family home.

He is also alleged to have asked for a Class A drug.

Mr Vaz indicated he will stand aside as chairman of the Commons Home Affairs Committee during a meeting on Monday.

It came after he publicly apologised to his wife and children for the "hurt and distress" he caused them.