HALSTEAD MP James Cleverly has announced he is self isolating after testing positive for Covid-19.

Mr Cleverly, who is the minister for the Middle East and North Africa in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office took to social media after failing a lateral flow test.

A picture on the MP's twitter page showed the test result with two red lines clearly visible.

It means Mr Cleverly is now waiting the for the result of a more accurate PCR test.

PCR tests provide a clearer result but take much more time to complete when compared to the lateral flow tests.

As a result, the MP has announced he will be missing an oral questions event today for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

An oral question is a parliamentary questions that is put to a government minister in person by an MP or member of the House of Lords in the Chamber of each House.

Oral question times to ministers normally take place at the beginning of each sitting day in both Houses.

James Cleverly commented: "This is annoying.

"I’m now awaiting the results of a PCR test. I’m self isolating until I know the results which means that I won’t be at FCDO oral questions tomorrow."