Shadow Attorney General Emily Thornberry has resigned from Ed Miliband's shadow cabinet in a row over an England flags tweet.

The London MP used the social media outlet to tweet a picture of a house draped with England flags caused controversy on the day of the Rochester and Strood by-election.

She faced accusations of snobbery after posting the picture of the modern terraced house with three red and white Cross of St George flags - one bearing a West Ham United badge - and a white van parked in the drive, along with the message "Image from Rochester".

She apologised tonight after being given a dressing-down by Mr Miliband and Labour later announced that she had resigned as shadow attorney general.

In a statement released by the party, Ms Thornberry said: "Earlier today I sent a tweet which has caused offence to some people.

"That was never my intention and I have apologised.

"However I will not let anything distract from Labour's chance to win the coming general election.

"I have therefore tonight told Ed Miliband I will resign from the shadow cabinet."