Braintree MP Brooks Newmark has spoken of his regret over the sex text tabloid scandal which has cost him job as a cabinet minister.
The 56-year-old dad-of-five was forced to resign after the Sunday Mirror informed him it would publish revelations into alleged explicit WhatsApp he sent to an undercover male reporter posing as a female activist.
He told the BBC: "I have no-one to blame but myself. I have hurt those I care about most."
Mr Newmark was given the role of minister for civil society in July during the summer cabinet reshuffle. His place will be taken by Rob Wilson.
In a statement last night, he said: "I have decided to resign as Minister for Civil Society having been notified of a story to be published in a Sunday newspaper.
"I would like to appeal for the privacy of my family to be respected at this time.
"I remain a loyal supporter of this Government as its long term economic plan continues to deliver for the British people."
