Maastricht mayor Onno Hoes, at the centre of growing concern about his private life, can stay in the job, local politicians agreed on Wednesday evening.

Hoes said after an ‘emotional and constructive discussion’ that the issue has been dealt with. ‘We are working in the interests of the city and have closed the door on the past,’ he told Nos television.

During the meeting, Hoes apologised for recent events and that appeared to satisfy most party leaders, the broadcaster said.

Nevertheless, if new facts emerge which damage the mayor’s reputation, there will be consequences, local party leaders have agreed.

Hoes is married to television gossip show presenter Albert Verlinde and has been hit by allegations of affairs with several younger men. He had also placed a photograph of his naked torso on gay social media site Grindr.