A Tory MP has come under fire for posting a “mocking” message on social media directed at businesses offering free meals to poor and disadvantaged children during the half term holiday.

Selaine Saxby, who is MP for the North Devon constituency, reportedly posted the following comment on Facebook: “I am delighted our local businesses have bounced back so much after lockdown that they are able to give food away for free, and very much hope they will not be seeking any further government support [during the coronavirus-induced economic crisis]".

She has since reportedly deleted the offensive Facebook post.

Saxby’s comment on social media elicited an immediate outcry leading to the creation of a

calling on her to quit her post as MP As of Monday evening (Ocotber26), more than 3,500 people have signed the petition.

  Petition creator Paul Trueman made the following statement: "We all felt proud of every individual and business, big and small, who volunteered this week to help feed them [disadvantaged children].

"But when dozens of our local businesses, already hit hard by months of restrictions and closure, stepped up with offers to help feed hungry kids, we saw them mocked by our own MP here in North Devon, posting from her own Facebook account", Trueman added.

Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats spokesman in the North Devon constituency, Alex White, says that Saxby’s position has become “completely untenable”.

"In some parts of North Devon, one in three children live in poverty – her [Saxby’s] comments are an insult not only to inspirational local eateries, but to parents and children across this constituency."