A hero's return

Quadruple amputee MP is given rousing reception by Commons

- DAVE BURKE

A TORY MP who had his hands and feet amputated after contracting sepsis made an emotional return to Parliament yesterday.

In a break with convention, Craig Mackinlay was given a standing ovation from all sides of the House.

The South Thanet MP was embraced by Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle as he made his way in for PMQs

And laughter rang out as the 57-year-old recalled how Sir Lindsay was mistaken for an undertaker on one of his numerous visits to his sickbed.

He told the House: "The rest of the hospital thought I must be dreadfully ill because they said, 'That guy's got the funeral director in already"."

Mr Mackinlay paid tribute to the Speaker as well as Rishi Sunak, who he said "had been with me" throughout.