Fiona Onasanya, the Labour MP convicted of lying to police over a speeding charge, has compared her ordeal to that of Jesus Christ and other biblical figures.

The former party whip, who was found guilty of perverting the course of justice on Wednesday, has sent a defiant message to colleagues claiming that she had “sought to be the choice and voice of change - but this may now take a different path”.

The 35-year-old member for Peterborough, whose political career now lies in tatters, is a devout Christian who previously claimed her shock victory in last year’s election was a blessing from God.

She has also expressed her desire to become Britain’s first black prime minister, which she said would enable others to “go beyond”.

Whilst Labour immediately suspended the whip and called Ms Onasanya to resign last night, leaked messages sent to other MPs suggest that she may choose to stay on as an independent.

Under law, an MP can only be unseated automatically if they receive a custodial sentence stretching more than 12 months.