Tory MP breaks his foot in pub fall

UK immigration minister Mark Harper has said he will go ahead with a visit to Algeria despite breaking his foot in a bar dancing accident.

The Conservative Member of Parliament’s dancing skills have been called into question after he admitted to falling off a table during a night out in London’s Soho.

He revealed what had happened after being spotted hobbling around the Commons on crutches – but was keen to stress his wife had been present.

“I was dancing on a table in a bar in Soho when I fell off and broke my foot,” the Forest of Dean MP said in a statement.

“My wife Margaret was with me – but thankfully she’s a far better dancer so didn’t fall off.”

The Home Office confirmed Mr Harper had gone ahead with an official trip to Algerian capital Algiers today, where he is expected to meet senior ministers and officials.

Fellow Tories in his constituency have seen the funny side of the incident.

Councillor Len Lawton told local newspaper The Citizen: “We found it hilarious and gave him plenty of stick. The imagination runs wild when you hear it was when he was dancing on a table at a bar in Soho.

“He said it happened at his wife’s leaving do and he alighted from the table very inelegantly.

“I know dozens of people who would just sit back but it’s good he’s getting on with it – although his staff are getting the rough end as they have to drive him everywhere.”