A diabetes charity founded by MP Keith Vaz is under scrutiny from the Charity Commission over claims that funds paid to male prostitutes who visited Vaz’s flat came from a man linked to the charity.
Vaz, the Labour MP for Leicester East, founded the charity Silver Star six years ago after being diagnosed with diabetes.
Accusations appeared in national newspapers that three Eastern European escorts had visited his London flat. He faces accusations that a man connected to his charity settled at least part of the prostitutes’ bill.
There is no suggestion that charitable funds were used to make any payment, or that the payment came from the charity's bank account.
According to the Daily Telegraph newspaper, several MPs and a former trustee of the charity have all called for an investigation.
A Charity Commission spokeswoman said: “The Charity Commission is aware of the allegations made regarding an individual linked to the charity Silver Star.
“The Commission has asked for any evidence to be submitted and has contacted the charity as a matter of urgency this morning. We will assess any evidence to determine whether there is a regulatory role for the Commission.”
