RAYLEIGH and Wickford MP Mark Francois has come in for severe criticism after it was alleged he made a knife gesture in Prime Minister’s questions.

The Tory MP is reported to have moved his finger across his throat while Prime Minister Theresa May was defending her Brexit plan.

According to witnesses, Francois was seen ‘slitting his throat’ as Mrs May spoke in Parliament.

Several MPs took to social media to express concern.

Conservative MP for Totnes Sarah Wollaston posted: “How is this acceptable? Yet again a member of the ERG using imagery of murder directed at a female MP and their own PM.”

Mr Francois has been a heavy critic of Mrs May’s Brexit plan.