A NORTH-East MP has been hailed a Labour hero – after thwarting an SNP plot to seize a key Commons pew.

The Scottish Nationalists tried to stage a coup by grabbing the front row seat occupied by 83-year-old Labour firebrand Dennis Skinner since 1970.

They sat on the benches from 10am on Monday, before their rivals arrived, but were forced to move by police with sniffer dogs who were carrying out a security sweep.

That allowed Kevan Jones, the North Durham MP, to reclaim the seat, from which the leftwing Mr Skinner can harangue the prime minister and other ministers.

Mr Jones explained: “While they were outside, I went in through a side door and took their seats. The police asked me to move but I just said, 'No'.

“Then [SNP MP] Pete Wishart came in and started screaming, shouting and saying it was disgraceful. But their great coup didn't work.”

However, the SNP again attempted to occupy seats traditionally claimed by the Opposition during MPs’ swearing-in yesterday, suggesting renewed battles when parliament resumes next week.