Britain's Lord Sewel on leave after alleged drug binge

LONDON, July 27 (UPI) -- Lord Sewel, a member of Britain's House of Lords, was granted a leave of absence Monday after a video allegedly shows him using cocaine in the company of prostitutes.

Earlier reports said he resigned his position, which he has held since 1996. He could also face a police investigation, after a London newspaper website showed him allegedly snorting a white powder through a rolled-up five-pound note, and having conversations between Sewel and female sex workers at his London apartment.

John Buttifant Sewel, his full name, is 69 and married.

Lady D'Souza, the Speaker of the Lords, called his actions "shocking an unacceptable," adding she would refer the matter to the London Metropolitan Police.

Member of Parliament John Mann demanded Sewel's resignation, commenting, "He (Sewel) chaired the committee that makes decisions on discipline. He cannot possibly go in front of his own committee and expect a serious hearing. He is a disgrace."

Monday the newspaper published new excerpts from recordings, in which Sewel, drinking after the cocaine binge, referred to Prime Minister David Cameron as "facile, superficial," London Mayor Boris Johnson "a joke" and Scottish Member of Parliament Alex Salmond as "a silly, pompous prat."