An announcement at 4pm on Friday afternoon often means only one thing – a Sunday newspaper is on to you. Tory Justice Minister Crispin Blunt has just released a statement confirming he is leaving his wife because he is gay:

“Crispin Blunt wishes to make it known that he has separated from his wife Victoria. He decided to come to terms with his homosexuality and explained the position to his family. The consequence is this separation.   There is no third party involvement, but this is difficult for his immediate and wider family and he hopes for understanding and support for them.”

The MP for Reigate has crossed Andy Coulson in recent weeks with his off message speeches about prisons, but as of now it is unknown why the sudden decision to out himself. Could this be the first of a few such announcements from the Government benches this weekend?

Developing…