REIGATE MP Crispin Blunt has vowed to continue his parliamentary and constituency duties after announcing he is gay.

In a statement issued to the Mirror, Mr Blunt said: "I want to assure you that my work as your Member of Parliament and as a Minister will be unaffected.

"I will be back at work in the Ministry of Justice and Parliament on Tuesday and look forward to supporting Conservative and constituency events as you would wish and expect.

"I know Conservatives will appreciate the personal sensitivity of this, particularly for my family, who have been extraordinarily understanding."

Support for Mr Blunt has this week been received from his local branch and an election opponent.

The Conservative Minister for Prisons separated from his wife Victoria after coming to terms with his sexuality.

He has asked for the respect of his privacy, and that of his wife and two children, after posting a statement on the Conservative Home website on Friday last week.

In his statement, Mr Blunt said: "Crispin Blunt wishes to make it known that he has separated from his wife Victoria.

"He decided to come to terms with his homosexuality and explained the position to his family. The consequence is this separation.

"There is no third-party involvement, but this is difficult for his immediate and wider family and he hopes for understanding and support for them.

"The family do not wish to make any further public comment and hope that their privacy will be respected as they deal with these difficult private issues."

Support for the 50-year-old came this week from fellow politician Rianna Humble, who made her own shock announcement this month.

Ms Humble, 54, formerly Robert Hull, stood against Mr Blunt as Labour candidate for the Reigate seat in the May general election.

The former Crawley Borough Councillor plans to have a sex change operation after "living in the wrong body" all her life.

She told the Mirror: "In the long term, he is going to be happier. I think he will end up more at peace.

"But it takes time to reconcile who you have been with who you really are. I'm certain Crispin's decision was not something he came to lightly."

Reigate Conservative Association chairman Andy Mountney also lent his support but did not rule out his decision having a negative effect on Mr Blunt's majority in the next election.

Mr Mountney, who said he had been fielding calls since the story broke last week, said: "Any number of things can affect a vote. I would be extremely disappointed if someone's sexuality played any part in their vote at an election.

"It does not affect his job as an MP at all. It is a personal and private matter and that is what I have been saying to the national papers."