Copies of a regional daily are to be stocked in the House of Commons library after the intervention of one its local MPs.

The historic library holds recent copies of most national newspapers and a range of regional newspapers – but until now it had failed to stock the Leicester Mercury.

Leicester South MP Jon Ashworth discovered the omission and challenged the library’s staff over the matter.

Now they have agreed to stock the Northcliffe-owned title from now on.

Mr Ashworth said: “First of all, the Mercury is my local newspaper and if other cities have their local papers in the Commons library then there is no reason Leicester shouldn’t have its there as well for MPs to look at.

“The Mercury is a paper of high quality journalism. I know from my own experience that my contributions, debating and decisions are much improved and more informed because of articles I’ve read in it.

“I went into the library, talked to the librarian and asked why they weren’t stocking it and he eventually agreed they should.

“The criteria is a paper should cover the constituencies of six members, and the Mercury covers the area of ten members in Leicester and Leicestershire,” added the MP.

Acting Mercury editor Richard Bettsworth said:  “We are delighted that one of our city MPs, Jon Ashworth, has made sure that the Leicester Mercury now sits alongside other regional and national newspapers in the House of Commons library.

“Our newspaper covers events in  the constituencies of 10 MPs, so I am sure that it will prove useful for the library to have it in its stock.”

The library, deep in the heart of the Palace of Westminster, is for the sole use of Members of Parliament.

A House of Commons spokesman said: “I can confirm the Commons library will be taking the Leicester Mercury in hard copy from now. The decision will be reviewed in six months.”