A BARNSLEY MP is taking medical leave after undergoing a hip replacement operation.

Penistone and Stocksbridge MP Angela Smith, who quit the Labour Party earlier this year as a founding member of the Change UK group of MPs, will be on annual leave for six weeks while she recovers from the operation.

A spokesman said: “During the period Ms Smith is away from Westminster she will be carrying out as much work as possible via remote connections.

“Her constituency office in Stocksbridge will remain open throughout the period and will be dealing with all casework and constituents’ enquiries as normal. Her Westminster office will also remain in operation dealing with all her parliamentary interests.”