A Conservative MP fought back tears after learning a friend had died of Covid-19 moments before rising to her feet to make a House of Commons speech.
Andrea Jenkyns, who has performed as a singer, paid tribute to a former band member as a "gentle giant" after learning of the tragic news.
The heartbreaking moment came during a debate on Tuesday evening about post-Brexit fishing policy.
The MP for Morley and Outwood told the Commons: “If I may just take a few moments, I’ve just received a text message alerting me to the news that a good friend of mine and former guitarist and former band member has just died following a two-day battle with coronavirus.
“I just want to send my love and prayers to his wife and pay tribute to a gentle giant and an awesome guitarist, and a true family man. So rest in peace, Steve.”
Ms Jenkyns’s voice cracked with emotion as she then started to speak about the Fisheries Bill.
She wiped tears away with a tissue after making her speech and was offered water by Commons clerks.
