Tory minister Robert Halfon admits cheating on his partner after 'blackmail attempt'
Mr Halfon met his lover at the East India Club, where he stays when in London for Parliamentary business
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A Conservative minister has admitted cheating on his partner after allegations that he was the subject of a blackmail attempt.
It has been reported that a Tory party aide, Mark Clarke, tried to obtain photos of Mr Halfon leaving the East India Club with his lover, to allegedly blackmail the minister without portfolio.
The private members club is the MP's base in London when he needs to stay in the capital. Mr Halfon is allowed to claim for overnight accommodation, despite living within a commutable distance from Westminster, due to his disability, a form of cerebral palsy. Between 2010 and 2014 he claimed around £30,000 in expenses to stay at the club.
Mr Halfon has a long-term partner but is not married. His affair with a Tory activist is said to have taken place over a period of six months and the pair reportedly met at the East India Club, though the woman did not stay the nght there.
The club's full name is the East India, Devonshire, Sports and Public schools’ club. It has an annual fee of £1,000 and it costs up to £267 per night for a suite.
Mr Halfon finished the affair in May, according to the Telegraph. He is yet to release details of his expense claims covering the six-month affair, but a spokeswoman for the MP confirmed to The Sunday Times that the woman in question had not stayed at the club overnight.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments