A SOUTHEND MP earned £25,000 for just 64 hours work - spread across eight months.

James Duddridge, MP for Rochford and Southend East, picked up the pay packet during the first half of this year working for a private investment firm focussed on “opportunities in Sub-Saharan Africa”.

From December 11 last year, until July 11 Mr Duddridge worked eight hours a month as an adviser to TLG Capital Investments, receiving an initial payment of £7,500, followed by £2,500 a month for his specialist advice.

He now provides “advice and invoices the company on an ad hoc basis” - with no figures available on how much he is paid, and what advice he offers.

Mr Duddridge failed to respond to the Echo’s request for comments, stating that he was “too busy with Brexit” both yesterday and Wednesday to discuss his work relating to Africa.

In September last year, the Echo revealed that Mr Duddridge was earning “£40,000 a year” as an advisor to a communications agency.

The MP and former Africa minister was appointed as an advisor with Brand Communications, which advises African countries on the implications of Brexit.

From January 2017 until October 2017, Mr Duddridge worked eight hours per month with Brand Communications, receiving £3,333 per month for the work.

He had stated the work consisted of providing advice on “a number of issues including financial services and Brexit, particularly relating to Africa”.

A press release issued by the firm at the time of Mr Duddridge’s appointment said that he would help their clients “stay ahead of the curve on Brexit”.

The remuneration from both firms comes on top of Mr Duddridge’s salary as an MP.

Mr Duddridge’s aid previously told the Echo there was no conflict of interest in his role with Brand Communications.

His appointment was approved by the advisory committee on business appointments which vets jobs being taken by former ministers.

Mr Duddridge refused to comment on this story, but when the Echo ran the initial story in September last year, he said: “I have never lobbied, and have never been asked to lobby, on behalf of any Brand Communications clients.

“I advise Brand Communications on Africa.

“My role at the agency has not required or needed any contact with UK government institutions.

“Before I entered into the relationship I sought advice, as is proper, from the Government Advisory Committee on Business Appointments.

“That committee considered the matter and, stated it ‘has no concerns about this appointment’.

“The relationship and decision, which was made in December 2016, has been clearly and publicly stated on the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments website since January along with recommendations to which I have rigorously adhered.

“In addition all declarations have been made in the register of members interests.”