Updated: 11.32am

THE BBC HAS apologised after incorrectly saying a Conservative MP fell asleep during a debate in the House of Commons.

A photo of Alec Shelbrooke, a Tory MP for Elmet and Rothwell constituency in West Yorkshire, allegedly napping in parliament was widely shared on social media this morning.

However, the BBC has since apologised and noted Shelbrooke is partially deaf and closed his eyes while listening to a speaker.

Very heartfelt apologies to @alecshelbrooke MP. He is partially deaf and was listening to a speaker. pic.twitter.com/CSvocBZ9qT
— BBC Newsbeat (@BBCNewsbeat) September 15, 2015

BBC Newsbeat / Twitter

@WikiGuido @AlecShelbrooke @GuidoFawkes He was awake pic.twitter.com/qBBNQniXj6
— Paul Brand (@PaulBrandITV) September 15, 2015

Paul Brand / Twitter

The Tory MP told Guido Fawkes: “I am genuinely slightly deaf and struggle to hear. I had taken part in the debate and was trying to hear the wind ups. Seems a shame I get trolled due to being slightly deaf.”

An earlier version of this story was published before the BBC apology. The article has now been updated.

Video: Rabbitte admits Dáil speech on sinkholes is sending him to sleep

Read: Why is this TD always shouting and roaring in the Dáil?

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