SOMERSET MP Sarah Dyke (Lib Dem, Somerton & Frome) didn’t get the reaction she hoped for when speaking during a debate on health and social care – certainly from one fellow representative.

During questions in the chamber on Tuesday (April 23), Ms Dyke asked a question of Andrea Leadsom (Con, South Northamptonshire), the under secretary for health and social care.

She said: “There are 56 fewer fully-qualified GPs in Somerset now than in December 2016, so it’s no surprise that my constituents in Wincanton feel they are never able to access one.

“So how will the minister support general practice to continue to provide the vital services for our communities that they deserve?”

Behind Ms Dyke in the chamber, and caught on camera, was former Tory MP Lee Anderson (Reform, Ashfield) – who let out an enormous yawn as she spoke.

Responding, Ms Leadsom said 60 million more appointments were available when compared to 2019 and that the government was looking to “reduce the administrative burden” and take other steps to streamline the health system, with more staff in general practice.

And after the debate, the Somerset MP said she was unconcerned if the East Midlands MP was tired by what she said.

“I’ll never tire of fighting for my constituents’ right to access healthcare,” she told your Leveller after the debate.

Unlike Mr Anderson, it seems.

Could anyone suggest what Mr Anderson was contemplating as he let out that huge yawn? What’s for dinner? The intricacies of the healthcare system? What he’s doing on his next GB News show? Do email us your suggestions to newsdesk@somersetleveller.co.uk, or Tweet us at @SomLeveller…