BURNHAM's MP Tessa Munt has revealed she is a survivor of sexual abuse.

Tessa Munt, who campaigned for an inquiry into allegations of child abuse cover ups at Westminster, spoke of her own harrowing childhood experience during an interview with Radio 4's PM programme.

The MP said she didn't speak of the abuse for years because she feared no one would believe her, but decided to speak about it publicly for the first time as Theresa May announced an independent inquiry into the handling of abuse claims by public bodies.

Ms Munt said: “As someone who is a survivor of sexual abuse, I'm driven to stand up for those who don't have a voice.

“This is just one of several reasons why I wanted to become an MP, because I thought I could make a difference.

“My personal history is not what defines me as an individual, but I hope I might be a better MP as a result of my experience.”

The Home Secretary's announcement follows a letter to her, signed by Ms Munt and six other MPs, last month. The letter has since attracted another 140 MPs' signatures from across the political divides, and an online petition attracted over 78,000 signatures in a matter of days.

The inquiry will look into the pattern of missing files about sexual abuse claims, which are understood to include high-profile members of the establishment.

Ms Munt added: “It seems there are many cases of abuse which have been sidelined by those at the very top and in authority for decades.

“I'll be watching like a hawk to ensure this inquiry works to find answers. Victims must feel they will be listened to and believed, that action will be taken wherever possible to ensure justice is done, and that those who have suffered may hopefully work towards gaining some sense of closure and begin the long road back to full health.”