Labour whip Godfrey Farrugia complained to the Speaker this evening that the area where journalists could doorstep MPs in parliament was not delineated and journalists ‘in their enthusiasm’ were following MPs right to the stairs of Parliament House.

Dr Farrugia said he respected journalists and their right to seek information, but the box within which reporters should stay in order to question MPs should be clearly marked.

He said he had even asked the police to ensure that reports stayed in the area assigned to them.

The Speaker said he would verify the complaint but the Chair had no control over public spaces.