By Tim Montgomerie
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I couldn't quite believe today's Mail on Sunday story by Brendan Carlin but I have double checked this morning and it's true. Tory MP Matthew Offord is citing the Human Rights Act in his bid to ensure he can continue to take his Jack Russell, Max, to the House of Commons with him.
Mr Offord has been taking Max to work for a number of weeks but the House of Commons authorities are now insisting that the Conservative MP for Hendon observes the 1991 parliamentary rule that no dogs are permitted in the Palace of Westminster - excepting guide dogs, sniffer dogs and pets owned by people living on the estate.
Mr Offord complains: "If they try to push this, I will invoke the Human Rights Act because they're breaching my right to a private, family life." Article 8 does indeed talk about a private, family life but was it intended for this? Offord insists that if the Commons authorities are daft enough to have such a stupid rule they deserve a human rights challenge.
The Conservative MP who shares Mr Offord's Westminster office, John Stevenson, told the Mail on Sunday that he is happy for Mr Offord to gave him his full backing over bringing in Max.
11.30am: Matthew Offord has just sent this email:
"I have read the above piece and have to correct Tim. Citing the Human Rights Act is a demonstration of how the legislation is being used for frivolous purposes. The fact that it frustrates the jobsworths is a bonus. I am, and remain, fiercely opposed to the HRA."
