Disgraced MP Fiona Onasanya today compared herself to Jesus and other figures from the Bible after being found guilty of perverting the course of justice.
In a message to Labour MPs seen by The Times newspaper, Ms Onasanya, 35, wrote: “I am in good Biblical company along with Joseph, Moses, Daniel and his three Hebrew friends who were each found guilty by the courts of their day. ... Of course this is equally true of Christ who was accused and convicted by the courts of his day."
The paper suggests she has hinted that she will not quit her £77,000 a year post.
Earlier today a senior Labour figure said: “The fact is that she has been convicted of a serious offence and has misled the court and the party. She should resign straight away, both for her and for her constituents.
“From the point of view of public reputation and for her constituents she must go straight away.”
Ms Onasanya, a key Jeremy Corbyn ally, was effectively sacked by the Labour Party yesterday afternoon by having the whip withdrawn.
They are urging her to resign, which means they can get a candidate in place should there be a by-election.
An election will be triggered automatically if she receives a custodial sentence of a year or more.
Last night Tory MP Stewart Jackson who used to represent the seat ruled out running again.
Former UKIP leader Nigel Farage has also ruled out standing.
Ms Onasanya’s Nissan Micra was recorded travelling at 41mph in a 30mph zone in a village near Peterborough on July 24 2017.
The Old Bailey heard evidence that she was behind the wheel of the car - and may also have been sending text messages.
The jury was also told she went on to lie repeatedly about her involvement to avoid prosecution.
Her brother Festus Onasanya, 34, from Cambridge, previously pleaded guilty to three counts of perverting the course of justice.
The pair will be sentenced on a date yet to be set.
A Labour Party spokesman said: “The Labour Party is deeply disappointed in Fiona Onasanya’s behaviour. It falls well below what is expected of politicians. She should now resign.
“Fiona Onasanya is being administratively suspended from the Labour Party and therefore the whip with immediate effect.”
