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A Birmingham MP has come under fire after suggesting people who can’t afford the £25 fee to vote in the Labour leadership election may not be interested in party politics.

Steve McCabe, Labour MP for Birmingham Selly Oak, was responding to someone who contacted him on Twitter to complain about the charge for becoming a “registered supporter” of the Labour Party.

The deadline to register passed on Wednesday July 20 at 5pm and those who signed up are allowed to vote in the election of a Labour leader, alongside party members and members of affiliated organisations such as trade unions.

Mr McCabe said on Twitter: ”In my experience those trapped in poverty have little time to engage in party politics or see it as a priority.”

He also pointed out that the decision to charge £25 was made by Labour’s national executive committee and not by MPs, and he had no control over it.

The comment led to some angry responses.

One Twitter user identifying themselves as Joe Morrison told the MP: “I grew up in a council flat and without a lot of money. I engage in politics precisely to avoid being trapped in poverty.”

Mr McCabe replied: “Understood as did I. I argued that those in grinding poverty often too busy surviving to be preoccupied with joining political party.”

And another user, Sally Jeffries, said: “As someone completely reliant on benefits, yet also politically I astute I find that comment a tad limited.”

Mr McCabe replied: “Never queried interest or astuteness. I said those struggling to survive poverty often don’t have time for party politics.”

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn faces a challenge from former Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Owen Smith as the party begins a fresh leadership contest.

In last year's contest, which Mr Corbyn won by a large margin, it was possible to become a registered supporter for a fee of just £3.

Watch: Labour Deputy Leader Tom Watson appears to urge Labour members to vote for anyone but Jeremy Corbyn in this BBC interview