East Devon MP Simon Jupp has admitted that his campaign officer Oliver Kerr was behind the web domains saga.

Two weeks ago, the I broke the news that three of Richard Foord's web domains were being re-directed to Simon Jupp's website. When questioned at the time, Mr Jupp told the BBC that 'he was not responsible'.

The domains richardfoord.co.uk, richardfoord.uk and richardfoord.com were switched off on April 8. Richard Foord asked the UK's web domain company Nominet to investigate and it was found to be bought by Mr Kerr.

Read more: MP Simon Jupp accused of using rival's name in web domains

The I said that Mr Kerr is a part-time campaign manager for Mr Jupp, and is paid by taxpayers to also work for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority.

Mr Foord says that this is a 'new low' for the Conservative party and that he is referring the issue to the Parliamentary Standards Authority.

In response, Mr Kerr told the BBC: "I would like to apologise to Richard Foord for buying these website domains.

"I bought them independently. I wasn't asked to buy them by anyone. I regret my actions and no longer own the website domains in question."

Mr Jupp said on Thursday to the BBC: "The individual responsible has apologised for making an error of judgement, without my knowledge or approval, and no longer owns the website domains in question.

"That is the right thing to do and I am glad he's apologised and reflected on his actions."

Mr Foord said: "This is a new low for the Conservative party. Just this week, we have seen Conservative MPs caught in a honey trap, trapped in a flat, and now a local Conservative MP seeking to trick the public with an online trap. 

"In my time as MP, many people in Mid and East Devon who have needed help have been able to contact me through my website. Yet we now find out that the office of Simon Jupp attempted to divert the public with dishonest election campaign tactics.

"In the Army, we learned about integrity – it’s a core value in our Armed Forces. These values of honesty and integrity should be key to all those in public life too. The Office of Simon Jupp have acted deceitfully, and without integrity.

"This behaviour has no place in Devon. That is why I have reported this issue to the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner for investigation."