THE UK Government is facing urgent demands to scrap its “botched” Commons voting system after the Business Secretary was tested for Covid-19 having been visibly unwell in the chambers.

Alok Sharma has gone into self-isolation after struggling through a speech while at the despatch box yesterday.

MPs also complained about a “logjam” in Parliament making it impossible for representatives to maintain social distancing as huge queues built up during votes.

It came just hours after Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg’s plan to scrap virtual voting was implemented. He has since been urged to resign from his position.

SNP deputy Westminster leader Kirsty Blackman urged the UK Government to abandon plans to bring MPs back to Westminster.

“I send my best wishes to Alok Sharma for a full and speedy recovery,” she said. “This does, however, demonstrate just how ridiculous and irresponsible the Tory government’s decision to end virtual participation in Parliament was. They must now rectify this serious mistake and reintroduce hybrid proceedings without delay.

“In light of this development it's difficult to see how else Parliament can proceed – but what is clear is that this botched system isn’t working and needs to change urgently to protect our democracy.

“Millions of people across Scotland and the UK have been disenfranchised by the Tory decision, which has blocked many MPs from participating and voting.”

READ MORE: Alok Sharma tested for coronavirus after appearing ill in the Commons

Meanwhile, the LibDems called on Rees-Mogg to quit as Commons leader.

MP Daisy Cooper condemned the Tory minister for “bringing the House into disrepute, and needlessly putting lives at risk”.

She added: “Speaker Lindsay Hoyle should return parliament to virtual proceedings only with immediate effect.”

A spokesman said Sharma began feeling unwell during the second reading of the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill, when was seen wiping his face with a handkerchief several times. Ed Miliband also passed him a glass of water at one point as the Tory minister became visibly uncomfortable.

However, Boris Johnson has dismissed complaints about the Commons voting system, claiming: “I do not think it’s unreasonable that we should ask parliamentarians to come back to this place and do their job for the people of this country.”