Retired British Army colonel Bob Stewart drew laughs in the House of Commons after telling MPs he was happy to “take a spanking”.
The Tory MP made the comment after Speaker John Bercow intervened on an exchange between himself and Sir Edward Leigh.
Mr Stewart, speaking in a backbench business debate, was raising the issue of pay for young barristers when fellow Tory Sir Edward intervened to shed more light on the topic.
Mr Stewart said: “I thank my great friend, he’s probably a learned friend.”
Sir Edward responded: “I’m not learned at all.”
To which Mr Bercow said: “It may be that (Sir Edward) is not in the parliamentary sense learned, but I think we can all agree that he is distinguished.”
Mr Stewart then added: “Mr Speaker, as ever you put me properly in my box and as ever I take a spanking without any problem.”
The comment drew laughs, with Dr Julian Lewis chirping “too much information”, before Mr Stewart could conclude: “I think it’s one of those debates”.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here