MEMBERS of the UK Independence Party have stood by politican Piers Merchant over reports of another extra-martial affair.
The former Newcastle MP, who has been campaigning for the UK Independence Party in Hartlepool's by-election, was photographed in a Sunday newspaper with a 41-year-old property consultant.
She is reported to have said Mr Merchant's marriage to wife Helen was in trouble before they got together.
It is the second time father-of-two Mr Merchant, who has a flat in Hartlepool marina, has been accused of having an affair.
Mr Merchant, 53, was first exposed while a Conservative Party MP for Beckendale, in Kent, before the 1997 General Election. On that occasion, the former Newcastle Central MP, who narrowly missed out on winning a North-East seat as a Member of the European Parliament earlier this year, was found to be having an affair with a 17-year-old Soho nightclub hostess.
Last night, fellow UKIP campaigners in Hartlepool stood by Mr Merchant.
Clive Page, Press officer for UKIP's by-election campaign in the town, said: "Piers' private life is a matter for him and does not affect his work for the party."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article