Eric Joyce urged to stand down amid allegations of relationship with teenager - Telegraph.co.uk

Johann Lamont, the Scottish Labour leader, suggested that if the allegations were true, Mr Joyce had may have "abused his position of power and authority".

She added: "Regardless of any other issues. I think this makes Eric Joyce unfit to stand for the Labour Party."

Miss Lauder also had a photograph taken with David Miliband, which she posted on her Facebook page with the caption: "David Miliband and I. Swoon."

She was quoted on the election leaflet as a "student", saying: "I'm pleased Eric takes the environment seriously and is deeply committed to making the UK a leading digital economy.

"He already has a strong record on these issues in Parliament I'll be pressing him to continue."

Mr Joyce has already been suspended by Labour, and faces three counts of common assault, following the alleged incident in the Strangers' Bar at the Commons.

Joyce has denied the allegations about his private life, adding that he did not have a sexual relationship with the teenager, who is now 19.

He told the London Evening Standard: "The story is not true and I will be taking legal advice."

The politician, from Bo'ness, near Falkirk, was bailed last week and is due to appear at West London Magistrates' Court on March 7.

A spokesman for the Scottish Labour Party said: "Eric Joyce was immediately suspended from the Labour Party when serious criminal charges were brought against him last week, so processes have already started.

"That case is now sub judice, but Eric Joyce remains suspended. Johann has made her position very clear."

Mr Joyce received a message on Twitter on Wednesday from the Conservative MP, Nadine Dorries, saying: "Hey, hope you are ok."

He replied: "Decent humanity's the preserve of the human. And that'll b u. e"

He served in the Army Education Corps before pursuing a career in politics and became an MP in 2000. Mr Joyce is separated from his second wife and has twin daughters.

Neighbours of Miss Lauder's family, on the outskirts of Falkirk, said they were "shocked" by the claims.