Sex claims MP Mike Hancock in hospital, office confirms

Mike Hancock underwent a number of major heart operations in 2012

An MP suspended by the Lib Dems amid claims of sexual misconduct is in hospital, his office has confirmed.

A statement on Portsmouth South MP Mike Hancock's website said he had been "in hospital since the end of last week and will remain so for some time".

His offices in London and Portsmouth remain open, the statement added.

Mr Hancock, who stepped down from his seat on the cabinet of the city council earlier this month, underwent a number of major heart operations in 2012.

The first at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth placed a stent in one of his arteries.

When that was unsuccessful, he was transferred to Southampton General Hospital where he said his heart was "rebuilt".

Twelve hours after being discharged from hospital he was re-admitted with a blood clot on his lung.

Mr Hancock, who remains a city councillor, was suspended by the Liberal Democrats last month after a report into claims of sexual misconduct towards a constituent was leaked.

The council's Lib Dem group voted he could keep his cabinet seat, prompting one councillor to resign from her post.

Mr Hancock said he was resigning to "stop other councillors leaving".