FORMER Darlington MP Michael Fallon has apologised for putting his hand on a journalist’s knee.

The incident, which happened in 2002, involved radio host Julia Hartley-Brewer and was exposed in The Sun today.

Ms Hartley-Brewer took to social media to say that nobody “was remotely upset or distressed" about the incident and that her knees “remain intact”.

The matter came to light as Parliamentary authorities draw up plans to allow victims of sexual harassment to report incidents “without fear”, as abuse allegations continue to dominate Westminster.

Before Sir Michael was named, Ms Hartley-Brewer tweeted: "I have spoken previously about a Cabinet Minister who repeatedly put his hand on my knee during a party conference dinner.

"I calmly and politely explained to him that if he did it again I would 'punch him in the face'.

"He withdrew his hand and that was the end of the matter.

"I have had no issues since with the man in question and do not regard the incident as anything but mildly amusing."

A spokesman for Sir Michael said: "He had apologised when the incident happened 15 years ago and both Julia and he now considered the matter closed."