CONSERVATIVE MP Nick Herbert has been criticised after using the word "f***wit" live on television.

The Arundel and South Downs MP was scolded by BBC's Daily Politics presenter Jo Coburn for using the word who told him "we won't have any more of that".

But after facing criticism on social media site Twitter, Mr Herbert defended his use of the colourful language by saying he was only quoting his fellow guest, former police officer Peter Kirkham, who he said had used the word to describe Home Secretary Teresa May.