UKIP'S Roger Helmer today insisted politicians are entitled to a private life after a newspaper claimed he visited a sleazy massage parlour.
The married East Midlands MEP was photographed in The Sun entering a building that the newspaper claims is a discreet gentleman's retreat, called Victoria House.
Its website has the motto "Driving Men Wild Since 1999" and features pictures of topless and scantily-clad masseuses.
The site invites clients to have a "wild" time and an "adventure of the physical kind".
The newspaper claimed he entered the retreat, in Lutterworth, at 11.47am on Friday after withdrawing money from a cash machine.
The Derby Telegraph contacted Mr Helmer and asked if The Sun's allegations were true.
He said: "I'm well aware of the story in The Sun and I've made my position extremely clear. I think The Sun quoted me quite well and I don't have anything to add to that.
"As you will appreciate, it's not something I'm terribly keen for anyone to get any mileage out of. But if you're interested in this I suggest to refer to what has been written in The Sun."
The Sun said it asked Mr Helmer whether his wife knew about the visit, to which the Ukip politician replied: "Er, she will tomorrow I dare say."
He also said: "MEPs are entitled to a private life. I work extremely hard and when I do occasionally have time off I enjoy a massage.
"I hope my constituents will agree people are entitled to enjoy their leisure time as they please."
