Martin Sorrell denies reports he paid for a prostitute

Ex-WPP boss Sir Martin Sorrell has “strenuously” denied reports made in the press accusing him of allegedly using a company credit card to pay for a prostitute.

The Wall Street Journal and the Daily Mail published the reports over the weekend, citing unnamed sources to give an explanation for Sorrell’s shock departure from the company he ran for more than 30 years.

In April an investigation into an allegation of “personal misconduct” against Sorrell was privately concluded by WPP. The murky nature of the investigation’s outcome had left shareholders frustrated and could spark a protest at WPP’s next AGM, to be held this Wednesday.

Following this weekend’s news, a spokesman for Sorrell said: “Sir Martin signed a non-disclosure agreement when he stepped down which precludes him from discussing any of the circumstances surrounding his departure. He has rigidly adhered to this obligation and will continue to do so.

“As regards the allegations which have appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Sir Martin strenuously denies them. He will be making no further comment at this time.”

A spokesman for WPP said: “WPP has been advised that it cannot disclose details of the allegations against Sir Martin Sorrell because it is prohibited by data protection law from giving such details. Sir Martin chose to resign at the conclusion of the investigation by independent legal counsel.”