by political editor Paul Francis

pfrancis@thekmgroup.co.uk

Newly-appointed sports minister and Kent MP Hugh Robertson has insisted England's bid to host the 2018 World Cup can be salvaged after the abrupt resignation of the bid team's chairman.

Mr Robertson, Faversham and Mid Kent MP, was in his new post for barely 24 hours before being caught up in the aftermath of a damaging row sparked by comments made by former chairman Lord Triesman.

Lord Triesman was forced to stand down as chairman of the Football Association, as well as the England 2018 World Cup bid, after appearing to suggest Spain could drop its 2018 bid if rival bidder Russia helped bribe referees at this summer's World Cup.

Mr Robertson spent most of Sunday dealing with the media camped outside his constituency home as he outlined the government's views on the unfolding saga.

He had been alerted to the disclosures late on Saturday evening after returning from his first official role as a minister as a guest at the FA cup final.

If it was an unexpected start to his role, the media attention is one that he will have to become increasingly accustomed to in the run-up to the 2012 Olympics.

"The events of the weekend were damaging but we have seen worse things happen in the past, most notably when the BBC Panorama programme did a major expose on the IOC when the London bid was in the final furlong.

"But you do get over these things. Crucially, despite the events the core strength of the England bid remains in place.

"All the stadiums are built, there is predicted to be money made and there will be massive support from the fans," he said.

"We can deliver a real legacy and in the end, this is will be a vote made by football people."