FORMER Leigh MP Jo Platt has expressed "disgust" after a House of Commons vote defeated a motion to extend free school meals until next Easter.

Labour’s motion, which follows the bid of Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford MBE for schools to have free meals for eligible children extended through until Easter 2021, was defeated by 261 votes to 322 – a majority 61 - in the House of Commons.

Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner said the Conservatives had voted to let the more than 1.4 million children eligible for free school meals "go hungry through the holidays".

The former Leigh Labour MP Jo Platt expressed "disgust" over the vote.

In a public statement, she said: "Last night the Conservatives voted against extending free lunch provision during the holidays. This vote included our MP James Grundy.

"What was truly sickening during the debate was how the blame was moved to parents.

Parents who are in low paid jobs. Parents working more than one job. Parents who are disabled. Parents who have escaped abuse. Parents who have seen their relationship break down. Parents who have lost their jobs. Parents who have suffered a loss of a partner. Parents whose wages are swallowed up by rent, bills and debt.

"Not every parent claiming free school meals is a scrounger as some Tory MPs would have you believe."

Ms Platt, who was recently named the first general manager of the Leigh Spinners Mill project, added: "The other events this week, financial support in Tier Three, will see many people and businesses in Greater Manchester struggle.

"It just saddens me that there is no one standing up for Leigh in Westminster.

"I will be writing to my MP to express my disgust. I hope I’m not the only one."

After the vote, in a statement, Leigh MP James Grundy said there are "better ways to address the issue of child poverty" and that "the education budget must be used for educational purposes"

He said: "It is my view that the education budget must be used for educational purposes. Hard pressed schools should not be made to bear the burden of what is effectively a welfare issue.

"There are better ways to address the issue of child poverty than re-allocating funding meant for teaching staff, the maintenance of school buildings, and teaching materials to provide food to children outside of the school environment.

"Throughout this pandemic, my team and I have been working closely with local organisations to help provide food parcels to any families that are struggling, and we will continue to do so throughout the winter period.

"If anyone knows of a struggling family that requires help, or if your own family is struggling, please do get in touch with our office and we will ensure that you not only receive food parcels, but also have access to a full range of help, advice, and support for any problems you may be facing."