Broadcasters ask to move cameras to make politicians look better

Another television executive, Sky's Esme Wren, said lowering the camera angle would make parliamentary skirmishes more "compelling" to watch as viewers would be able to see "eye to eye" battles across the floor of the chamber.

However, Labour's Thomas Docherty was sceptical about the suggestions, saying: "You would like us to spend £50,000 of taxpayers money in order to make, what would appear to some people, our front benches look better.

"Some of your print colleagues may find this to be an interesting Sunday story if we were to agree to do this."

He also voiced doubts about the idea of allowing cameras into the Commons voting lobbies, suggesting it was an attempt to "sex up" coverage.

But Simon Mears of ITV argued that it would be good for the public to "actually see their MPs voting".

He said: "It's a bit like a Shakespearean play, it's all taking place off stage."