An MP described as "unfit" for office by the Scottish Labour leader wants to continue in his job until the 2015 general election, according to reports on Friday.

Eric Joyce, who has denied having a sexual relationship with a then 17-year-old Labour activist who helped out with his general election campaign in 2010, is said to be resisting calls to quit Parliament.

Joyce is also due in court next week charged with three counts of common assault following a fight in the Strangers Bar in the House of Commons on February 22.

The MP for Falkirk, who has admitted to a relationship with the girl but said it was not sexual, told the Daily Record: “She is a young girl. I kind of got my communications with her wrong.”

Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont said the 51-year-old had abused his position of power on Thursday.

Lamont said: "If these reports are true, this sounds like a man who has abused a position of power and authority. I am disgusted. Regardless of other issues, I believe this makes him unfit to stand for Labour."

Joyce has denied the allegations that he had an affair. Speaking to the Evening Standard on Thursday said the story was "not true" and that he was taking legal advice.

“I do know Meg [Lauder] and she did work for me during the election," he said. But he denied having a sexual relationship with her and said he had not seen her since the election.

A Scottish Labour Party spokesman said: "Eric Joyce was immediately suspended from the Labour Party when serious criminal charges were brought against him last week, so processes have already started.

"That case is now sub-judice but Eric Joyce remains suspended. These separate revelations are highly disturbing and Johann has made her position very clear."

Joyce, MP for Falkirk since December 2000, served in the Army Education Corps before pursuing a career in politics.