Which MPs have quit government roles in Brexit row?
Tory Eurosceptics appear intent on a programme of rolling resignations in response to Theresa May’s plan to keep the UK closely tied to the European Union after Brexit.
A series of MPs, ranging from star names to minor players, have quit over the plan, with Scott Mann becoming the ninth to resign.
July 8:
– David DavisThe Tory veteran quit as Brexit secretary late on Sunday July 8, telling the Prime Minister: “The general direction of policy will leave us in at best a weak negotiating position, and possibly an inescapable one.”
– Steve BakerThe High Wycombe MP quit as a minister in the Brexit department, and said in his resignation letter: “I cannot support this policy with the sincerity and resolve which will be necessary.”
July 9:
– Boris JohnsonThe departing foreign secretary used a scathing resignation letter to the Prime Minister to say that, under her leadership, the UK was “heading for a semi-Brexit”, with the dream of an outward-looking global Britain “dying, suffocated by needless self-doubt”.
– Chris GreenThe Bolton West MP quit as a parliamentary private secretary (PPS), an unpaid ministerial aide, at the Department for Transport, saying “Brexit must mean Brexit”.
– Conor BurnsHe had been the PPS to Mr Johnson but quit, saying “I want to see the referendum result respected”.
July 10– Maria CaulfieldResigned as vice-chairman of the Conservative Party saying “I cannot support the direction of travel in the Brexit negotiations”.
– Ben BradleyAlso quit as a Tory vice-chairman, warning “if we do not deliver Brexit in spirit as well as in name, then we are handing Jeremy Corbyn the keys to Number 10”.
July 15– Robert CourtsThe Witney MP quit as PPS at the Foreign Office saying he could not “support the proposals in their current form”.
July 16– Scott MannThe former postman said he would not “deliver a watered down Brexit” as he quit as a Treasury PPS .