Conservative MP Nicky Morgan was replaced by a handbag on Friday's episode of Have I Got News For You.

This was the programme's response to the former Education Secretary pulling out of the show. The handbag was placed on the desk next to Paul Merton.

Morgan had recently criticised Prime Minister Theresa May's £995 leather trousers but then it was revealed that Morgan owned a handbag that cost a similar amount. She had said about the trousers, "I don't think I've ever spent that much on anything apart from my wedding dress."

Programme makers Hat Trick said: "It was decided in the light of her spat with Downing St over expensive leather goods to replace her with a handbag."

Mrs Morgan had been booked to appear on the show in September but on Wednesday it was confirmed that she would not be appearing on the programme due to "unforeseen circumstances".

She did seem to see the funny side of the incident when the prank was revealed, tweeting: "I'd have donated the original bag if asked - it would have better lines than me".

In a 1993 edition of the long-running topical quiz Labour MP Roy Hattersley was replaced with a tub of lard after he cancelled an appearance.

Picture: BBC/Hat Trick.