Keith Vaz makes Gangnam Style challenge to MPs
Leicester East MP Keith Vaz has challenged several MPs to a "Gangnam Style dance-off" - after he was filmed copying the internet sensation.
He joined students at Gateway College in the city to follow the steps of the Korean musician Psy in a celebration of Leicester's City of Culture bid.
He is challenging MPs representing other areas in the running to a dance off on the terrace at Parliament.
But his request has been met with a mixture of amusement and bemusement.
His initial challenge was to David Amess, MP for Southend-on-Sea, to the "dance-off" when a shortlist for the City of Culture 2017 was drawn up.
'Throw down the gauntlet'
When the final four was drawn up as Leicester, Hull, Swansea Bay and Dundee, he extended his challenge to those who represent the successful quartet.
Mr Vaz, the chairman of the Home Affairs Select Committee, admitted the stunt had embarrassed his daughter but said it was to inject a bit of fun into the bids and was now "throwing down the gauntlet" to the other MPs.
"If they are not prepared to do this in our city, we are going to go down to the terrace at the House of Commons and we will see how many people turn up on that occasion," he said.
"This is a contest that will go on for a while."
He added that he would ask Psy to judge the dance-off.
'Not that desperate'
When the BBC contacted the other MPs' staff, the question was met with disbelief and many asked if it was serious.
Stewart Hosie, MP for Dundee East, laughed at the idea but took the challenge in good humour.
"I have no plans to do a Gangnam Style video. I'm almost tempted to say I think I will leave the bid to the professionals," he said.
A spokesman for Diana Johnson, MP for Hull North, was amused by the stunt but said she was unlikely to take up the offer.
He added: "She is of course backing the bid but I'm not sure the people in the Hull bid are that desperate.
"Hull is pretty confident we are well placed without that sort of thing."
Sian James MP for Swansea East, emailed to say she would politely decline the offer.