LABOUR MP Janet Anderson has been asked to take on a surprise new post - playing for the Lords and Commons Rugby Team.

The Labour Whip and MP for Rossendale and Darwen, was stunned to get a letter from Captain Lord Addington asking her to take the field. The invitation to the former Women's Spokesman said: "If you feel you can just about blow out a match or go up two flight's of stairs with under ten minutes rest at the end you may well be interested in coming down and playing the odd game for us.

"The games are an hour long, broken down into fifteen minute quarters and played to a version of the golden oldies rule. (It is quite normal for players to play for only one of these quarters or indeed a part of one of the quarters!)

"We also welcome support from the touchline, be it cheering or barracking. The whole objective being to meet people from other Parliaments, raise money for charity and have some fun."

Mrs Anderson, who does not think she will be turning out in Parliamentary colours, said: "I'm surprised but delighted to be asked. "As a former Shadow Minister for Women I'm very pleased at any moves towards equality.

"Despite being a noted Labour moderniser - I don't think I shall be taking part. It's a step too far even for me."

One close colleague commented: "I know Janet's got a reputation for being hard, but surely not this hard!"

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