An MP who describes himself as a “blue-collar Tory” and “trade unionist” has denied taking a nap in Parliament during a debate on the Trade Union Bill.
A screengrab posted on Twitter by activist Rebecca Winson showed Alec Shelbrooke leaning back in his seat with his eyes closed.
He had earlier given as speech in defence of the controversial bill, which passed a second reading by 33 votes.
Ms Winson attempted to summarise the MP for Elmet and Rothwell’s contribution to the debate, saying: “He called us all misguided Marxists and then had a nap.”
But Mr Shelbrooke later retweeted a story that suggested he had in fact been leaning towards a speaker in order to hear better, because he is partially deaf.
He told political blog Guido Fawkes: "I am genuinely slightly deaf and struggle to hear. I had taken part in the debate and was trying to hear the wind ups. Seems a shame I get trolled due to being slightly deaf."
ITV political correspondent later tweeted a separate image that showed Mr Shelbrooke in the same position, but with his eyes open.
And here with his eyes wide open in the same position. I'm afraid it appears @AlecShelbrooke has been misrepresented. pic.twitter.com/bIenHhiB8N
— Paul Brand (@PaulBrandITV) September 15, 2015
Ms Winson subsequently apologised for suggesting Mr Shelbrooke had been sleeping.
I didn't know Shelbrooke is partially deaf - have deleted tweet, and apologies to him and anyone offended.
— Rebecca Winson (@rebeccawinson) September 15, 2015
Speaking during the debate, the MP had offered a history of trade unions in the UK before giving the bill his support.
“Above all else, the Bill will start the process of restoring faith in the trade union movement so that those in the private sector can feel that they have workplace representation without a militant tendency that could destroy their livelihoods or funding a political party that they do not agree with,” he said.
