RICHMOND Park MP Jenny Tonge has denied rumours that comments she made about the health of the Liberal Democrat Party leader Charles Kennedy were influenced by her sacking earlier this year.

Following speculation about the health of Charles Kennedy, the outspoken MP advised him to get "an absolute top-to-toe health check-up and decide for yourself, are you fit enough to lead the party?".

Speaking to the Richmond and Twickenham Times, she explained: "It was embroidered as usual, because it was me and that's what happens. I simply said to end the speculation he should have a thorough medical going over and then decide whether he is fit enough."

In a bid to end rumours of a divide, she said: "I supported him in the reaction he had to what the tabloids were saying. If he had not reacted in that way (sacking her as children's spokeswoman in January) it would have been no bother to me, because I had already resigned from the front bench and am not standing at the next election. I think Kennedy standing down is a long way off. He is perfectly healthy and just had a bad case of the flu."