HENDON MP Matthew Offord has denied invoking human rights law to overturn a ban on taking his dog to work at Westminster.

The Tory MP admitted saying he would consult the law after officials said his pet, Max, was a threat to people’s health and safety, but said it was a flippant remark.

He has been taking the Jack Russell into his Commons office for nearly five months after consulting officials in the Speakers department who gave him the go-ahead.

But Max's basket was spotted in Mr Offord's office after which the MP was challenged by James Robertson, the director of accommodation.

Mr Robertson explained that, since 1991, no dogs have been allowed in the Palace of Westminster except for police sniffer dogs, guide dogs and pets of staff who live on the parliamentary estate.

Mr Offord said: “I was told I couldn’t bring my dog in for health and safety because someone could be allergic – it was ridiculous. He was not being rational.”

He continues to take Max into the office, saying he has no choice, and is taking the matter to the administration committee. He said: “I won’t leave Max on his own – that’s no way to treat a dog.”

Mr Offord’s refusal to leave Max at home hit the national headlines and he was quoted as saying: "If they try to push this, I will invoke the Human Rights Act because they're breaching my right to a private, family life."

Speaking to the Times Series he said: “It was a flippant, throw away comment.”

Referring to a Bolivian immigrant who used the law in 2009 to escape deportation on the grounds he had to stay to look after his cat, Mr Offord called it stupid and said too many people are using the law for “frivolous reasons”.

He added: “I won’t be doing that. It’s ridiculous legislation that needs to be addressed.”