Bishop Auckland MP Sam Rushworth breaks leg roller-skating

Sam Rushworth, Labour MP for Bishop Auckland, said he was spending time with his children at a rink when he “somehow” broke his tibia and fibula.

The MP said he has had to have surgery at Darlington Memorial Hospital to have a titanium plate fitted.

Writing on his official Facebook page, Mr Rushworth said: “I spent some time with the kids Saturday evening, roller-skating at Planet Leisure.

“It was fun for about 45 minutes before I somehow broke my leg in two places (tibia below knee and fibula above the ankle).

“It’s been a difficult few days resulting in surgery yesterday to have a titanium plate fitted and screws to pin the bones together.”

The MP expressed his gratitude to the staff at the roller rink, the accident and emergency medics and NHS staff who looked after him initially, and the surgery team who operated on Tuesday.

He said: “I felt so well cared for and I am so grateful to all of them, as well as to my amazing wife, Siobhain, and lovely children who have nursed me at home.”

Mr Rushworth said he cannot bear weight on his leg for at least six weeks but will carry on with constituency work during the summer recess “while obeying doctor’s orders”.