Gay sex scandal MP reunites with wife
The Liberal Democrat MP involved in an alleged gay sex scandal looks likely to be reunited with his wife, according to reports
The Daily Mirror claimed that the wife of MP Mark Oaten has taken him back just weeks after newspaper revelations that he had a relationship with a male prostitute.
They were pictured together at their Hampshire home after friends of wife Belinda, 37, said she was prepared to give their marriage “another go”.
The couple have two daughters and have been married for 13 years.
Mr Oaten had initially been a contender for the Liberal Democrat leadership but was forced to stand down from the contest and his position as Home Affairs Spokesman amid sordid revelations about his private life.
The News of the World claimed the 41 year old had been involved in a relationship with a “rent boy,” in 2004. The paper revealed that he was in a “lengthy” relationship with a man he met on a gay website, which included “three-in-a-bed sex.”
Mr Oaten said: “I would like to apologise for errors of judgment in personal behaviour and for the embarrassment caused, firstly to my family but also to my friends, my constituents and my party.”
His wife, Belinda, who runs a business importing Dutch clogs, said she was “shocked, angry and confused” and fled the family home with her children, taking them on two skiing holidays and a trip to Scotland.
Friends told the Mirror that Mr Oaten has bombarded her with phone calls since the scandal ended his political ambitions. He admitted privately regretting what he had done to his family “110 per cent”.
One friend said at the time that Belinda might forgive her husband, adding: “She is really hurt. She is distraught but her primary concern is for her kids.
“It will take time. I would imagine this is not the best mental state to make far-reaching decisions about the future, about her marriage.”
Mr Oaten was at the family home in Bramdean, Hants, last week and the couple were seen exchanging smiles while out walking their dog. A source said: “It’s early days but things are going well. “At least they are all under the same roof.”
