BUSINESS minister Andrew Griffiths has resigned for "personal reasons" after reportedly sending "depraved" text message to two female constituents.

The Department for Business, Enterprise and Industrial Strategy said that Griffiths, a former chief of staff to Theresa May, tendered his resignation on Friday night.

In a statement to a Sunday newspaper, which said that it would be publishing details of the messages, the MP for apologised to his local Conservative Party association and his constituents.

"I am deeply ashamed at my behaviour which has caused untold distress to my wife and family, to whom I owe everything, and deep embarrassment to the Prime Minister and the Government I am so proud to serve," he said.

"Following discussions today with the Chief Whip I have referred myself to the Conservative Party's Code of Conduct procedures. I entirely accept that pending this investigation it is right the whip is withdrawn.

"I do not seek to excuse my behaviour and will be seeking professional help to ensure it never happens again."