Captured, James Bond-style, through a peephole in a bedroom wardrobe, it also sent shockwaves through the British Establishment of the s and came within an ace of bringing down Prime Minister Edward Heath's government. It shows a darkly alluring call-girl gazing dispassionately towards the lens, her breasts exposed, as her client - a high-ranking politician - enjoys a postcoital snooze.
The ensuing scandal destroyed Lambton's career and his marriage, and Levy has, more or less, been fleeing ever since. Incredibly, though, even 33 years later she had never seen the picture until two days ago, when, at her insistence, I placed it before the now year-old Levy for the first time.
It re-awakens such powerful memories that - although it takes several moments - tears prick the eyes of a woman who has always seemed cold beyond emotion. My God, I look totally different. I don't think anyone would recognise me now, do you? A testimony to the destructive powers of excessive drink, drugs and rough, loveless sex.
It ruined a lot of lives. It certainly ruined his life and it's very sad. I feel very sorry for Tony [Lambton], and for his family. I don't think anybody deserves that. In May , when he was infamously photographed in bed with Levy, a prostitute who serviced the wealthy and privileged, Anthony Claud Frederick Lambton was one of Britain's richest peers, and a leading member of the Conservative government.
Today, inured by decades of sleaze in high places, the public would doubtless be less shocked by the news of a minister consorting with a prostitute but, ten years after the Profumo scandal, the Lambton story sparked a national outcry. Amid fears that national security may have been compromised, Lord Lambton immediately resigned his post. He was followed, a few days later, by Lord Jellicoe, Lord Privy Seal and leader of the Lords, who also confessed to visiting prostitutes.
