Reckless by name, reckless by nature

The Telegraph reports:

A Tory MP was so drunk during a late night debate about the Budget in the Commons that he was unable to vote, it has emerged.

Mark Reckless was one of a number of MPs accused of being “well-refreshed” and “convivial” during the late night sitting which finished at 2.48am on Wednesday.

The 39-year-old new MP for Rochester and Strood had been drinking alongside scores of MPs on the Commons Terrace and was not the only one said to be worse for wear.

Mr Reckless, who became an MP at the general election in May, was understood to have had difficulty standing and has scant recollection of the night.

“I feel very embarrassed,” he said. “I’m terribly, terribly embarrassed. I apologise unreservedly and I don’t plan to drink again at Westminster. It was a mistake I will not be repeating. I have learned my lesson.

“I don’t know what came over me. It was a long day and I’d had a very early breakfast meeting.

“I normally have just one or two and know when to stop. I don’t know what happened. I don’t remember falling over.”

Mr Reckless said he decided not to take part in the vote because of the amount he had had to drink.

He must be a new MP if he can’t come up with a better excuse than he had a very early breakfast meeting!