Louise Mensch Admits Having Cosmetic Surgery

Former Tory MP Louise Mensch has admitted having cosmetic surgery, ending speculation sparked when she was in parliament.

Mrs Mensch, seen as a rising Tory star until she stood down to be with her husband in the US, confessed to having a "little tightening in my face".

The chick-lit author broke her silence after an independent review raised concerns about the regulation of cosmetic procedures in Britain.

She had previously refused to comment on rumours she may have had a facelift, complaining about the focus on the appearance of female politicians.

Writing in The Sun, the 41-year-old said she had hidden the truth because she did not want to become "minister for mascara".

She has now confessed to having a relatively minor procedure that she said was "for maintenance".

"I chose one of the best plastic surgeons in the world and would not let anybody else even close to my face," she wrote.

"For me, the treatment was a serious but beneficial step in my plan to look and feel the best I could.

"That mostly focuses on exercise, achieving a healthy weight and dressing better. I also dye my hair."

However, the mother of three did admit that the real "fountain of youth" was running and lifting weights.

Mrs Mensh, who now lives in New York, backed calls for the Government to ensure anyone performing cosmetic procedures is properly licensed.

She also insisted that some commentators "need to grow up" because most women having surgery were "capable adults making their own decisions about their own bodies".