LEIGH MP James Grundy says he is self-isolating after developing symptoms of coronavirus over the weekend.

The Conservative MP announced on Tuesday that he is isolating in line with government guidance after having symptoms.

Due to this, he was unable to attend the House of Commons in person for the vote on the Brexit Internal Market Bill earlier this week, arranging for a colleague to vote by proxy on his behalf.

The Leigh MP voted in favour of the bill, he said in the statement "in order to continue to respect the Leave vote of my constituents and to protect our United Kingdom".

Mr Grundy said on his Facebook page: "Over the course of the weekend, I developed symptoms of COVID-19, therefore as a precaution and in line with Government guidance, I am self-isolating. However, I have arranged for my vote to be cast on my behalf via what is known as a proxy vote during my absence from Parliament.

"Last night, the colleague exercising my proxy voted in favour of the Internal Markets Bill at my request, in order to continue to respect the Leave vote of my constituents, and to protect our United Kingdom."

MPs backed the Internal Market Bill by 340 votes to 263.

A spokeswoman said all staff members were in the MP's office with him on Friday last week.

She said: "Although all social distancing guidelines were adhered to in our office, as a precaution, all staff members will be working from home until James receives the outcome of his COVID-19 test results.

"Staff members are still dealing with all casework, and are continuing to answer telephone calls.

"No other staff members are showing symptoms, and anyone who attended the office on Friday have also been notified of the situation."