MPs have recruited an elections watchdog snubbed by the Scottish Government to advise them on the independence referendum.

The Commons Scottish Affairs Committee has asked the Electoral Commission to offer its advice on the wording of a potential question and other issues.

But the Scottish Government has said it will set up an independent body to oversee the running of the independence poll.

The Committee held yesterday’s meeting with the Commission without SNP MP Eilidh Whiteford, who quit last week accusing chairman Ian Davidson of threatening to give her “a doing”, a claim disputed by other committee members.