Mr Dacre, also editor-in-chief of Associated Newspapers, publishers of the Mail and the Mail on Sunday, said he would withdraw the "smears" statement if Grant withdrew his claims the Daily Mail or Mail on Sunday were involved in phone hacking.

BBC: Leveson Inquiry: Times editor in hacking email apology

In his statement, Mr Hague told MPs that a commitment to withdraw British combat troops from Afghanistan by 2015 is "the right position for this country".

BBC: Tory MP calls for new approach in Afghanistan war

But in a statement on his Facebook page, he said he had asked Labour to withdraw its endorsement of his candidacy and to suspend his campaign.

BBC: Lee Baron, Labour

In a statement on his Facebook page, Mr Barron said he had asked Labour to withdraw its endorsement of his candidacy and suspend his campaign.

BBC: England