A Tory MP has expressed his “deep shock” after allegations his wife of seven years is working as a prostitute in massage parlours.

A Sunday paper revealed that Hove MP Mike Weatherley’s wife Adriana Alves offered one of its reporters sex for money and worked at three London massage parlours.

The 53-year-old father-of-three has been separated from Brazilian-born Ms Alves since February and the pair are currently involved in divorce proceedings.

The MP has vowed to continue supporting her until the divorce is finalised. In a statement to The Argus, Mr Weatherley said: “'I am deeply shocked by the suggestion that Adriana has taken on any such employment. She is a genuinely lovely and caring person.

“We have however been separated since February this year and I have not been privy to the details of her personal or professional life, other than to ensure that she knew I would be fully supportive of her until divorce proceedings have concluded.”

Mr Weatherley and the 39-year-old are thought to have met ten years ago while the MP was on a business trip to Rio.

The couple, who do not have any children together, married in 2003 at Brighton Register Office and were photographed outside the Royal Pavilion.

Speaking before the wedding Mr Weatherley, who was then working as a financial controller for the Pete Waterman Group, said: “Nothing compares to the excitement of my wedding.

“I am thrilled Adriana said yes and also delighted to be marrying in the city where have lived for so many years.”

Brighton and Hove Conservatives united in silence yesterday and refused to comment.

A spokeswoman for the Conservative Party also declined to comment saying it was a personal and not a party matter.

Mr Weatherley received more than 36% of the vote when he beat Labour’s Celia Barlow to take the Hove and Portslade seat at the general election in May.

On the campaign trail Mr Weatherley said he was single but separated in pre-election interviews.

The MP was quoted in The Sunday Mirror as saying despite separating he was still close to his wife.

He said: “We’ve kept in touch and have lunch together every week so we’re still good friends.”