British Politician Admits to Extramarital Fling

LONDON — Paddy Ashdown, the leader of Britain’s third-party Liberal Democrats and a politician who has been viewed as a potential prime minister, admitted Wednesday that he had an affair with his secretary five years ago.

Able, popular and handsome, Ashdown--who previously served as a marine commando officer--made a personal statement declaring that he had a “brief relationship” with his then-secretary, Patricia Howard.

Ashdown, 50, who has two children and a wife of 30 years, said: “It is my view that this brief relationship of five years ago is and always should have remained a private and personal matter of concern only to those involved. However, it is now clear to me that in this pre-election atmosphere I, my family, my friends and party colleagues will not be left alone. I have, therefore, decided to make this . . . statement.”

Other party leaders quickly voiced sympathy and support for Ashdown, with Prime Minister John Major and Labor leader Neil Kinnock declaring that the revelation was a private matter that had no bearing on the political contest.

A national election must be held by July, and with opinion polls showing the ruling Conservative Party and the opposition Labor Party running neck-and-neck, the balance of power could well be held by the Liberal Democrats.