Labour investigates MP Paul Farrelly over alleged 'fracas' with colleagues

Labour is investigating an MP who was allegedly involved in a "fracas" with a colleague follow a debate on Brexit.

The party has launched an investigation into Paul Farrelly, who the Daily Mail reports was allegedly involved in an altercation in which he unleashed a "foul-mouthed rant" at fellow Labour MP James Frith.

It has been reported he also confronted colleagues Ruth Smeeth and Gareth Snell in a Commons bar.

A Labour spokeswoman said a number of complaints had been made to the party's chief whip Nick Brown.

The events are alleged to have taken place at the end of a long debate on the European Union Withdrawal Bill.

Mr Farrelly told the newspaper: "I deny it. I don't even know who James Frith is. That's not something I would say. That's absolute nonsense."

He also said he does not get on with Ms Smeeth and Mr Snell, whose Stoke constituencies border his in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

"The fact is that the new MPs for Stoke North and Stoke Central are rather different to the colleagues I have (previously) had in the Potteries. The fact we don't get on is an open secret."

The Labour spokeswoman said: "A number of complaints have been made to the chief whip with regard to the behaviour of a Labour MP.

"These are being investigated in line with the standing orders of the Parliamentary Labour Party.

"It would therefore be inappropriate to comment further on this matter."