Labour MP Keith Vaz is being investigated by police for drug offences following a newspaper story about how he used male prostitutes and had discussed paying for cocaine.
Vaz quit as chairman of the Home Affairs Select committee in September after the Sunday Mirror story which included photographs and secretly-recorded conversations that took place in the MP’s north London flat.
The article claimed Vaz had indicated to one of the men that he would pay for cocaine but would not use it himself.
A party drug known as poppers - which Vaz had opposed government attempts to criminalise - was also discussed.
According to the BBC, Vaz, 59, has said he welcomes the police’s investigation.
Police would not confirm or comment on the identity of anyone involved in their investigation but said they received a letter on September 7 asking them to look into the newspaper’s story.
Conservative MP Andrew Bridgen previously said he would write to Scotland Yard to request it investigate Vaz for misconduct in a public office and conspiracy to supply controlled substances.
After receiving the letter, Scotland Yard said the Met’s Special Enquiry Team began an assessment process to see “what criminal offences - if any - may have been committed”.
A spokesman said: “Following that assessment, which included obtaining early investigative advice from the Crown Prosecution Service, the MPS is now investigating offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
“The investigation started on Thursday, November 10.”
The investigation comes just over a week after Vaz was appointed to Parliament’s Justice Committee.