Storm over cerebral palsy MP deepens

The row over the alleged mocking of an MP with cerebral palsy has continued after a Scottish Labour MP attacked the "unsubstantiated claims".

Tory Paul Maynard sparked outrage last week after accusing Labour MPs of pulling faces and stretching their cheeks while he spoke in the House, in an apparent attempt to mimic him.

The backlash led Lib Dem Greg Mulholland to demand a debate on MPs' behaviour in the Commons.

But now Labour's Ian Murray said he was "deeply concerned" the matter had been raised. The MP for Edinburgh South asked Speaker John Bercow yesterday: "Could you give us some guidance on whether you run this chamber or the media?"

Mr Murray was angered by Mr Mulholland's plea for a debate after an interview with Mr Maynard where he spoke of his distress as he addressed MPs during a debate on the Child Trust Fund.

The Tory said: "They (some Labour MPs) were constantly intervening, trying to put me off my stride, which may be just normal parliamentary tactics."

Mr Bercow said: "I am in charge in the chamber. I am aware of the matters referred to and I have made some public comment. It has also been the subject of private discussions, but I want to leave it at that."