Shadow culture minister Labour MP Chris Matheson tests positive for coronavirus with symptoms that 'aren't very pleasant'

A Labour frontbencher has tested positive for coronavirus and is self-isolating with symptoms that 'aren't very pleasant'.

Chris Matheson, a shadow culture minister and MP for the City of Chester, said he fell ill on Saturday and subsequently tested positive for Covid-19.

Announcing the diagnosis on his Facebook page, he wrote: 'The symptoms aren't very pleasant, but I don't have it nearly as badly as many others.

'I now have to stay at home and can't attend Parliament in person, but will have a proxy vote which will be cast by one of the opposition whips on my behalf.

Chris Matheson , a shadow culture minister and MP for the City of Chester, said he fell ill on Saturday and subsequently tested positive for Covid-19

Mr Matheson's announcement comes after the MP Margaret Ferrier had the SNP whip withdrawn after travelling while awaiting the results of a Covid-19 test

'I am trying to rest as much as possible, though I will continue to try and answer my emails and my staff will still be working. I would like to thank them for keeping the show on the road, as they always do.

'Once the symptoms are over, I will have to isolate but my team and I are still here. You must continue to get in touch if there is an issue that you need help with, and if I can't deal with this in person my staff will be on hand to assist.'

Mr Matheson's announcement comes after the MP Margaret Ferrier had the SNP whip withdrawn after travelling while awaiting the results of a Covid-19 test.

Several MPs, including the Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Health Secretary Matt Hancock, tested positive for coronavirus at the height of the pandemic earlier this year.

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