Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption Canadian MP Pat Martin: "I bought a bunch [of pants] that were clearly too small for me"

A Canadian MP offered one of the most original excuses ever heard for leaving parliament in a hurry - tight underpants.

His cut-price and, as it turned out, overly tight underpants made it difficult for him to sit through a one-by-one vote, opposition MP Pat Martin told the bewildered Speaker.

But he did make it back in time to cast his ballot.

A Twitter storm about not very well briefed MPs hit shortly afterwards.

Mr Martin drew applause and laughter from the chamber when he explained his temporary absence.

"They had men's underwear on for half price and I bought a bunch that was clearly too small for me. I find it difficult to sit for any length of time."

The speaker of the house said he initially ordered Mr Martin to sit back down when he wanted to leave.

"I did not understand his explanation at the time and I am not sure I understand it now", he said.

Image copyright Paul McLeod

Image copyright Althia Ray