One of the Liberal backbenchers behind an attempted leadership coup against prime minister Tony Abbott last month has been booted out of parliament for spilling a toxic substance in the House of Representatives.

On Tuesday night, Queensland MP Andrew Laming attacked the cruise liner industry for burning “thick black stuff” in its ships rather than more environmentally friendly fuel.

• BBC ‘will sack’ Top Gear’s Jeremy Clarkson
• Boeing patents force field straight out sci-fi
• Liberal email asks for illegal donation

Mr Laming promptly left the chamber after losing another motion. Photo: AAP

The “black stuff” to which Mr Laming referred was high-sulphur diesel, which he showed to the parliament by spilling the ooze onto his hand, his desk and the floor of the chamber.

Speaker Bronwyn Bishop castigated the MP before the start of question time on Wednesday for his “potentially dangerous” behaviour.

She said it had caused damage which was now being repaired.

At her request, Mr Laming briefly apologised.

Mr Laming’s own party then moved that he be suspended from the service of the house for 24 hours, starting immediately.

Unlike Mr Laming’s attempt to overthrow Prime Minister Tony Abbott, this “spill” motion breezed through.

Wow, already knew that Andrew Laming was cray, cray…but, wow… #qt #auspol — Michael Wyres (@mwyres) March 25, 2015

@AndrewLamingMP booted for 24 hours – rightly so! Maybe that might bring him down a peg or two and get back to being a team player!!! #qt — Di (@Ama_Di_57) March 25, 2015