Mike Ashley’s contentious stewardship of Newcastle United and his lack of backing for Rafa Benítez is to be raised in Parliament today, as a supporter campaign against the club’s owner gathers pace.

Chi Onwurah, the Labour MP and shadow minister for industrial strategy, science and innovation, whose Newcastle Central constituency includes St James’ Park, will introduce a petition in the House of Commons stating that Ashley has failed to invest in “players, training facilities and community engagement.”

Onwurah, a lifelong Newcastle fan, whose petition has the support of fellow North East MPs Ian Mearns, Mary Glindon and Ian Lavery, told The Times she wants to “give a voice,” to supporters who feel powerless at Ashley’s 11-year tenure of Newcastle, which has included two relegations and