MP to grapple in jiu-jitsu match for charity

Will Stone is swapping Westminster for grappling in a competition

An MP who ran a Brazillian jiu-jitsu gym before going to Westminster is set to compete in an international match for charity.

Will Stone, the MP for Swindon North, has practised the martial art for 17 years and is also a black belt in judo.

He is taking on a professional Mixed Martial Artist (MMA) fighter next month to raise money for a Swindon charity.

Mr Stone said: "It's a very different world to be in. It's exciting to be part of it."

MP Will Stone in his day job asking a question in the House of Commons

Labour MP Mr Stone took the Swindon North seat from the Conservatives in July's general election.

Before becoming a politician he left the British Army as a rifleman to earn a living as the owner a jiu-jitsu gym in Swindon.

The 43-year-old said that after being picked as Labour's candidate last year, his life had changed dramatically.

Mr Stone was competing in the martial art before becoming an MP

"I love being a politician, it truly is an honour. But I also like being here. It brings you back to your roots and it's a really nice thing," Mr Stone said.

He added: "I've competed across the world. Not done as well as I would have liked.

"I've stepped on the mat with hundreds of people watching me. I'm not nervous to go into a debate.

"If I'm willing to fight and grapple someone there is significantly higher consequences there compared to having a debate. I think with the nerves it helps a lot."

The MP will be up against Matt Inman, a professional MMA fighter who is a jiu-jitsu blackbelt.

Mr Stone will fight at the Polaris 30 event in London on 2 November to raise money for Swindon charity The Kelly Foundation.