Transport minister Nusrat Ghani was left red-faced in the Commons after appearing to forget it was her turn to respond to a question.

The Tory MP for Wealden in East Sussex, who was appointed to the ministerial role in January, sat in silence for a few moments after Labour’s transport spokesman had asked the Government bench a question.

Ms Ghani was prompted by colleagues to rise to the despatch box and respond – where she admitted suffering a “momentary lapse”.

She said: “Forgive me. I was … I do apologise hugely, Mr Speaker, I had a momentary lapse.

“I’ve no idea how to respond, forgive me. I will take some direction from yourself.”

The gaffe drew laughter in the chamber, before Speaker John Bercow rose to ask shadow transport secretary Andy McDonald to repeat the question.