Former East of England MEP tests positive for COVID-19

The former East of England MEP has tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently being treated in hospital in Cambridge.

Richard Howitt was elected as a MEP to the European Parliament, representing the Essex South constituency, and served for the East of England constituency - which covered Bedfordshire - from 1999 to 2016.

On Twitter Richard Howitt (@richardhowitt) said: "To all friends & colleagues, I’m afraid I’m one of many who has contracted Covid-19 and am currently being treated at my wonderful local hospital @CUH_NHS in #Cambridge. I’m sorry I’ll be out of action for a while but hope to bounce back before too long. Please keep safe and well."