Fiona Bruce MP has faced criticism for voting against a Labour motion that would have seen free school meals extended to cover holidays until Spring next year.

The Congleton constituency MP was among 318 of her party colleagues to block the move which has been pushed forward by Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford MBE.

Cllr Kathryn Flavell, who represents the Sandbach Elworth ward, branded the vote as "absolutely disgraceful".

She told Sandbach Nub News: "Some of the comments that were made by MPs, like 'it might foster a dependence', is disgusting. Our families and young people are living through really difficult times at the moment; the pandemic has caused a lot of hardship."

Cllr Flavell added: "It's not a big ask when you consider how much they spend on other things, such as Eat Out to Help Out, where are their priorities?"

She said Mrs Bruce should "walk the walk" when it comes to supporting struggling families in the constituency.

The councillor, who also holds the portfolio for children and families at Cheshire East, said the council has sent out food parcels to 500 struggling families over the course of the first lockdown.

"We're going to step that back up again now that we know things are getting difficult. I will be having discussions to see what kind of help we can give," Cllr Flavell said.

Earlier today, Home Office minister Kit Malthouse told the BBC the government has supported low-income families with a £20 per week increase in Universal Credit and giving £63 million to help councils with hardship funding.

Responding to last night's vote, Mr Rashford said: "Child food poverty has the potential to become the greatest pandemic the country has ever faced".

Sandbach Nub News has contacted Mrs Bruce for comment.