A controversial columnist has been branded a misogynist for mocking a Kent MP for opening up about her domestic abuse ordeal.

Rod Liddle, in a piece for The Spectator, labelled Canterbury's Labour member the "sobbing and oppressed Rosie '#MeToo' Duffield".

It follows a speech the 48-year-old politician gave in parliament last month in which she told how she had been the victim of domestic violence.

Liddle then goes on to say Ms Duffield's shock win in 2017 was largely down to the student vote, calling for an election date "when universities are closed and Muslims are forbidden to do anything on pain of hell".

He wrote: "It was principally the student vote that won Canterbury for the sobbing and oppressed Rosie '#MeToo' Duffield.

"Please don't let that happen again.

"My own choice of election date would be a day when universities are closed and Muslims are forbidden to do anything on pain of hell, or something.

"There must be at least one day like that in the Muslim calendar, surely?

"That would deliver at least 40 seats to the Tories, I reckon."

Ms Duffield, who was yesterday interviewed about abuse faced by mostly female MPs, later tweeted: "This is particularly tasteless from a grown man who should know better. Racist and misogynist in just a few lines #stayclassy".

A statement released by her office this morning added: "It was disappointing to read the frankly racist and misogynistic comments published in a national publication such as The Spectator.

"Since her election, Rosie has been working on cross-party efforts in Parliament to promote a more co-operative and compassionate atmosphere at Westminster, to lead by public example in efforts to overcome national divisions.

"Key to this is avoiding language or behaviour that incites hate or encourages disrespect."

Others also jumped to her defence, including fellow Labour MP David Lammy, who tweeted: "This is hate speech. Mocking Rosie Duffield for having the courage to speak out about domestic abuse and calling for ways to stop British Muslims voting."

Maggie Scarisbrick added: "As if his appalling comments about Muslims weren't enough, his racism has provided cover for his vile, misogynistic comments about Rosie Duffield."

Read more: All the latest news from Canterbury