In 1983, a scandal rocked the British political scene when it was revealed that Conservative MP Cecil Parkinson had an affair with his then secretary, Sarah Keays. The affair resulted in Keays becoming pregnant with Parkinson's love child, a revelation that shocked the public and tarnished Parkinson's reputation. < p >The affair between Parkinson and Keays was a well-kept secret at the time, but it soon came to light and caused a media frenzy. Parkinson, who was a rising star in the Conservative Party at the time, was forced to resign from his position as Secretary of State for Trade and Industry due to the scandal. The affair not only ended his political career but also had a lasting impact on his personal life. Keays, who was left to raise their daughter alone, became a vocal critic of Parkinson and the Conservative Party. She publicly spoke out against Parkinson's treatment of her and their daughter, accusing him of neglecting his responsibilities as a father. The affair and its aftermath became a cautionary tale of the consequences of mixing politics and personal relationships. Despite the scandal, Parkinson remained active in politics and continued to serve as an MP until his retirement in 1992. The affair with Keays haunted him for the rest of his career, serving as a constant reminder of his personal failings and the impact they had on those around him. < p >The affair between Cecil Parkinson and Sarah Keays remains a controversial chapter in British political history, highlighting the pitfalls of power and the consequences of personal indiscretions. It serves as a reminder that even the most powerful and influential individuals are not immune to the consequences of their actions. For more information on this scandal and its aftermath, you can visit < a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-53940754">BBC News or < a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/jan/23/cecil-parkinson-obituary">The Guardian.

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