Pudsey MP allegedly attacked in Commons bar (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Pudsey MP allegedly attacked in Commons bar

10:26am Thursday 23rd February 2012 in News By James Rush

Pudsey Conservative MP Stuart Andrew was allegedly butted and punched in a disturbance in a Palace of Westminster bar late last night, according to reports.

The incident was said to have taken place in the Strangers Bar, a Commons bar reserved or MPs and their guests.

A man, confirmed as serving Labour MP Eric Joyce, has been arrested on suspicion of assault.

Scotland Yard said officers detained a man in his 50s after being called to reports of an incident at a bar within the House of Commons at about 10.50pm.

He remained in custody at a central London police station, the Met said.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "We were called at approximately 10.50pm to reports of a disturbance at a bar within the House of Commons.

"A man aged in his 50s was arrested by officers on suspicion of assault. He remains in custody in a central London police station. Inquiries are continuing."

Mr Joyce, the MP for Falkirk since December 2000, served in the Army Education Corps before pursuing a career in politics.

In 2010 he resigned as shadow Northern Ireland minister after pleading guilty to failing to provide a breath test.

Today a Labour Party spokesman said Mr Joyce had been suspended from the party following the allegations.

He remains MP for Falkirk, but cannot take the Labour whip in the Commons until the completion of a police investigation into the affair.