Minister who resigned after bombarding two women with lewd texts apologises for his 'few moments of stupidity'

The minister who resigned after bombarding two women with lewd texts has apologised to his constituents for his behaviour, which he described as “a few moments of stupidity”.

Andrew Griffiths resigned on Sunday as minister for small business after a newspaper uncovered 2,000 messages he sent to Imogen Treharne, 28, and her friend, over the course of three weeks.

The messages began as flirting and then reportedly turned into a barrage of sex texts. Mr Griffiths sent the girls money in return for X-rated pictures and videos. The contents of the messages were revealed in yesterday’s Sunday Mirror.

Ms Treharne said she "always asked him about his interests" but that the conversation "always turned back to sex".

She described the contents of the messages as "vile" and "disgusting".

The married MP, whose daughter Alice was born three months ago, had been following the two women on Snapchat for six months before making contact in June.

Mr Griffiths, 47, who served as Theresa May's chief of staff in opposition between 2004 and 2006, said he was "deeply ashamed".

His behaviour had caused "untold distress" to his wife and family to whom he "owed everything", he said.

On Monday, Mr Griffiths apologised to his constituents. In a statement to the Burton Mail, he said: “I would like to personally apologise to everyone in Burton and Uttoxeter for my actions over a two-week period. The messages were written during a period of great personal pressure and in no way represent my views or actions.

“I have chosen to resign as Parliamentary under secretary of State for Small Business as my behaviour fell well below the standards expected of me.

“I hope that people will judge me on my actions and achievements during eight years as Member of Parliament for Burton and Uttoxeter rather than a few moments of stupidity.”

Meanwhile two petitions have been launched calling for Mr Griffiths to resign as an MP.

His statement followed his previous apology, which said: "I am deeply ashamed at my behaviour which has caused untold distress to my wife and family, to whom I owe everything, and deep embarrassment to the Prime Minister and the Government I am so proud to serve.

After discussions with the Chief Whip, Mr Griffiths has referred himself to the Conservative Party’s Code of Conduct procedures.

He also said he will seek "professional help" to address his behaviour.

A spokesman for the business department said Mr Griffiths resigned "for personal reasons" on Friday.

Griffiths was elected as the MP for Burton and Uttoxeter in May 2010. He was appointed Parliamentary under secretary of state at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy in January.

He previously served as Lord Commissioner to the Treasury, as well as chief of staff to Mrs May and Eric Pickles.

It comes following reports that anyone who has been affected by sexual harassment and bullying during their time in Westminster will be helped to take their claim to police, their party or the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards.