Culture Secretary John Whittingdale has admitted he had a relationship with a sex worker.

He claimed he did not know her real occupation and ended the relationship as soon as he found out when he was approached by a journalist.

Mr Whittingdale - who oversees press regulation in his job as secretary of state for culture, media and sport - also insisted his role had not been compromised.

ITV News Political Editor Robert Peston said the revelations raised questions over Mr Whittingdale's role in regulating the press when he knew that newspapers had been aware of the relationship for some time.

A Downing Street official told ITV News that Mr Whittingdale's job was not in jeopardy and that he was "entitled to a private life".

In a statement, Mr Whittingdale said: