A TORY MP has been branded "disgraceful" for an ill-judged joke during a tribute to late Liberal Democrat leader Paddy Ashdown.

North West Leicestershire MP Andrew Bridgen apologised for shouting "from the grave" while Lib Dem Layla Moran shared the Brexit concerns that Lord Ashdown had in his final days.

Lord Ashdown had been suffering from bladder cancer and died in December at the age of 77.

As Ms Moran spoke during Prime Minister's Questions of his Brexit worries, Mr Bridgen shouted the comment - drawing cries of "shame" from opposition MPs.

Later raising a point of order with Speaker John Bercow, Ms Moran said: "During my question, at the beginning when I was expressing my deep sadness at the loss of Lord Ashdown and his concern for the state of where we are now, (Andrew Bridgen) shouted loudly from a sedentary position 'from the grave'.

"I find such a comment disgraceful."

Mr Bercow responded: "What was said should not have been said; if the person who said it wishes to take the opportunity to apologise it is open to that person to do so."

Mr Bridgen stood to say: "I will apologise for my remarks if any offence was caused to any members of the House."

Lord Ashdown, who was credited with making the Lib Dems a significant third force in politics during his tenure between 1988 and 1999, had revealed his cancer diagnosis in November.

The party announced his death last month, saying he would be remembered "as someone who made an immeasurable contribution to furthering the cause of liberalism".