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A Kent MP is facing fresh criticism for her comments over Marcus Rashford sticking to his day job, after it was revealed she has a second job.
An opposition MP and social media users have called Dover and Deal MP Natalie Elphicke a 'hypocrite' today following her past remarks towards the Manchester United footballer.
Her comment in the summer followed the 2020 Euro final (held in 2021), where three England players - Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka - missed their penalties. England ultimately lost to Italy.
In a leaked WhatsApp message reportedly to a Conservative MP group chat, Mrs Elphicke asked if it would be "ungenerous to suggest" that Rashford "should have spent more time perfecting his game and less time playing politics".
The comment seemingly made reference to the 24-year-old's campaigning for free school meals during the pandemic - which earned him international renown and an MBE.
Mrs Elphicke apologised at the time, saying: "I applaud the England team who gave their all in Euro 2020. Last night I shared the frustration and heartbreak of millions of other England fans.
"I regret messaging privately a rash reaction about Marcus Rashford's missed penalty and apologise to him for any suggestion that he is not fully focussed on his football.
"Onwards to the World Cup and I look forward to Marcus Rashford's contribution at that time."
This week, a list of MPs with second jobs was unveiled, including Mrs Elphicke.
It came in the aftermath of the row over the revelations about former Conservative MP Owen Paterson receiving more than £100,000 for lobbying on behalf of companies he acted as a consultant for.
Analysis of the Register of Interests showed Mrs Elphicke is chair of the New Homes Quality Board, an industry-led initiative to promote a new code for housebuilding standards together with a structure for an independent New Homes Ombudsman.
She was also paid £21,000 in November last year for six hours a week over a seven-month period, and the register states that now receives £3,000 a month for an estimated eight hours work a week.
The online criticism follows the i newspaper leading with the story today.
Retweeting a photo of the front page, @penalisedsaver said on Twitter: "One of the two people in this story works tirelessly to improve the lives of others.
"The other is paid (from public funds) to do exactly that, but doesn't." They referred to Mrs Elphicke as a "hypocrite".
@wazzabomb posted: "@NatalieElphicke how hypocritical of you talking about Rashford the way you did when you have a second job yourself."
Angela Rayner, Labour deputy leader, said on Twitter: "Attacking @MarcusRashford for standing up for hungry kids, voting against free school meals, voting to support corruption and then using your position in Parliament to line your pockets with another job is about as low as it gets."
Mrs Elphicke said: "It’s a great honour to be Dover & Deal’s MP.
"I work tirelessly to deliver for our community - whether it’s hundreds of jobs at the new border facilities or getting high speed trains back on track for Deal. Brexit has been delivered, and I will continue to fight for better healthcare as well as more jobs and money for our area."
