Mark Oaten has been given the full backing of his party to carry on as Winchester MP.

Senior Liberal Democrats from across the area gave their blessing to the former leadership candidate despite allegations of a relationship with a male prostitute.

The executive committee of the constituency gathered last night at a secret location to talk to Mr Oaten. The 20-strong group comprised city and county councillors as well as the chairmen of constituency wards.

After the meeting, Lib Dem constituency party chairman Harvey Cole said: "Members unanimously expressed their great appreciation of the work Mark Oaten has done.

"They noted the widespread support for him, both from local party members and the wider community.

"They confirmed their strong support for Mark as the MP for Winchester and the Meon Valley."

Mr Oaten quit as his party's home affairs spokesman after the claims were made in a national newspaper.

He has apologised for the embarrassment that the affair caused to the party, constituency and friends.

He has also said his main priority in the coming weeks is his relationship with his wife Belinda and two daughters, with whom he lives in the village of Bramdean.

Mr Oaten faced fresh embarrassment yesterday when he was locked out of his first constituency meeting since the allegations of his affair with a male prostitute.

Mr Oaten remained tight-lipped while he waited for the Paterson Centre in Swanmore to be opened for his regular surgery after the caretaker failed to turn up to unlock the premises.

About six constituents were booked in to see the Lib Dem MP.