Conservative MP Crispin Blunt took inspiration from David Laws in his decision to come out last week, according to reports.
Friends of the prisons minister have claimed that after watching Laws resign, Blunt realised that deceiving his family and constituents would have worse affects than admitting he was gay.
David Laws resigned from his post as Liberal Democrat Treasury minister in May,
because it had been revealed that he had used expenses to cover rent he paid his gay partner.
A source told the Daily Mail: “The Laws episode was decisive, because Crispin saw that the fire storm which descended was nothing to do with Laws’ homosexuality and everything to do with his deceit. He saw and envied David’s liberation.”
The Conservative MP for Reigate, in Surrey, was due to celebrate his twentieth wedding anniversary this month.
During his political career, he voted against gay couples adopting, and backed a bill that would make it more difficult for lesbian couples to have equal access to IVF treatment. He was absent at the time of the vote on the repeal of Section 28, and for 10 other votes on similar equality issues.
Blunt did, however, vote in favour of civil partnerships and outlawing discrimination based on sexual orientation.
Although his confession has apparently shocked his wife and two teenage children, a political insider told the Daily Mail that Blunt’s position in the Conservative Party is safe.
“In David Cameron’s Conservative Party now it’s not exactly a problem to be gay. It’s almost to be welcomed,” said the source.