Braintree MP Brooks Newmark has resigned as a government minister after sending sexually explicit images to an undercover reporter.

The Sunday Mirror has reported that the 56-year-old, married father-of-five sent the images to a male journalist who was posing as a female activist.

The tabloid alleges that Mr Newmark sent the reporter a picture exposing himself while wearing pyjamas and also sent her texts while campaigning for the Conservative Party in Clacton today.

He said in a statement: “I have decided to resign as Minister for Civil Society having been notified of a story to be published in a Sunday newspaper.

"I would like to appeal for the privacy of my family to be respected at this time. I remain a loyal supporter of this Government as its long term economic plan continues to deliver for the British people.”

Braintree Council leader and Conservative county councillor Graham Butland said: "I think he has taken the right decision to stand down as a minister, but I am sure that he will remain as a good, committed Member of Parliament here in Braintree.

"I was with him this morning campaigning in Clacton and he is a very good MP and he will remain a very good MP."

A Downing Street spokesman said: "The Prime Minister has accepted Brooks Newmark's resignation from his role as Minister for Civil Society.”

American-born Mr Newmark first entered Parliament as MP for Braintree in 2005.

He made his mark as a backbencher with his interventions on the economy - serving as a member of the Treasury Committee - and more recently on Syria.

He was made a Cabinet Office minister in Mr Cameron's last reshuffle in July, having previously served a spell in the Tory whips office.