Thérèse Coffey, who was among Conservative MPs that voted against a motion two extend the £15-a-week school meal voucher initiative, claimed £1,885 a month in expenses fo accommodation alone, according to the latest figure available.

The Suffolk Coastal MP, which includes Felixstowe and neighbouring villages claimed £36,379.44 in total, on top of her ministerial salary of £104.360 a year

The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions lives 83 miles from the House of Commons, but claimed the monthly amount even during the start of lockdown.

Along with many of her colleagues Dr Coffey insisted people can contact East Suffolk Council if they need additional support as funding has been provided for that.

Dr Coffey was the final speaker in last week's before MPs voted 322 to 261 against the motion and this is how she wrapped up her response to Coventry South MP Zarah Sultana, who asked: "If you vote against the motion, if you let kids go to sleep hungry at night, how do you not feel any sense of shame?"

According to Hansard, Dr Coffey said: "It is really important that we continue to come together as a House to recognise the support that has gone in. That is why we tabled the amendment to today's motion, recognising that we have undertaken significant ways to help the most vulnerable children in society. I am very keen to ensure that we keep that focus on the most important of our generations for the future, so that people do not fall through the cracks.

"That is why I and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Ministers across Government, including the Prime Minister, say regularly that there will be nobody left behind, and that we will do our best to strive every day to save the lives and livelihoods of people in this country.

"We really must consider, genuinely, what should be uniting us today. I am very conscious that Labour Members may think that theirs is the only way to approach this issue. I say gently to them: recognise the support that has been given to the families that you represent; recognise the £9.3 billion in welfare alone, never mind the furlough income that has been there, and is continuing to help people.

"So, right here, right now, let the House come together, support the amendment and show a united message to the people of this country that we shall support, and continue to support, the most vulnerable people in our country."

Meanwhile, local businesses have responded by offering free meals to schoolchildren, including the Crescent Cafe in Felixstowe.