A CONSERVATIVE minister who resigned after newspaper revelations about lewd text messages is no stranger to the people of Dudley.

Andrew Griffiths, MP for Burton, quit his government job after the Sunday Mirror revealed he bombarded a 28-year-old barmaid and her friend with lewd comments over social media.

Mr Griffiths, who came second in the Dudley North constituency at in the 2001 general election, was slammed after the Dudley News reported remarks by the Tory candidate branding people from Castle and Priory as "scum and dregs".

As the votes were being counted he was quoted as saying: "I'm pleased that unlike my Labour candidate rival, I just have to go to Gornal, Sedgley and Coseley and don't have to bother with the scum and the dregs in Castle and Priory."

Mr Griffiths' agent later told the Dudley News: "Andrew categorically denies making these remarks. He would have been proud to represent all of Dudley and he would in no way offend them."

Speaking in 2001, Community leader George Williams branded the comments a "kick in the teeth" for people working to improve the area.

Mr Griffiths was eventually elected to Parliament in 2010 and appointed to the small business role in January, he replaced Stourbridge MP Margot James in the job.

In the latest revelations the Sunday Mirror reported he sent 2,000 messages in which he referred to himself as "Daddy", suggested renting a flat so could meet the women for sex and asked them to send him explicit photos.

The married father, who once worked as Theresa May's chief of staff, resigned as minister for small business on Friday night.

In a statement to the paper, Mr Griffiths apologised to "all those who put their trust in me and that I have let down so terribly."

He said: "I am deeply ashamed at my behaviour which has caused untold distress to my wife and family, to whom I owe everything, and deep embarrassment to the Prime Minister and the Government I am so proud to serve.

"I have referred myself to the Conservative Party's code of conduct procedures. I entirely accept that pending this investigation it is right the whip is withdrawn.

"I do not seek to excuse my behaviour and will be seeking professional help to ensure it never happens again."