FORMER Montgomeryshire MP Lembit Opik will undergo an operation to correct his self-described “wonky” face - 18 years after a paragliding accident.

The outspoken and often controversial former Liberal Democrat MP said he needed surgery as his teeth are “disintegrating”, making it “difficult to eat.”

Mr Opik was involved in an accident in 1998 in which he fell 98 feet, sustaining serious facial injuries and breaking his sternum, ribs and back in 12 places.

He said the operation on the NHS was medical and not cosmetic.

Mr Opik is already two years into the treatment and will have a further two years of work after going under the knife.

“Even at that time, I knew it was going to have a life-changing effect on me, not just physically but psychologically,” he said.

“Interestingly enough it took some time for that effect to take hold and it’s still a driver in changing my thinking today.”

The operation, scheduled for the end of January will see his jaw broken and reconstructed.

“Whether or not I look like George Clooney, or indeed Nick Clegg, at least I will be able to eat,” he said.