MP Stephen Phillips resigns over Tory Brexit policy. Why?
Stephen Phillips: No longer a Conservative MP.
Does anybody else find it strange that this MP has quit over his party’s policy on Brexit, just as his party has been told to change that policy?
I think either there is more to this than meets the eye, or Sleaford and North Hykeham elected an idiot and the constituency is better off without him.
In any case, his resignation slashes the Conservative Parliamentary majority to eight. At this rate, it will be a minority government by Christmas – and what a wonderful present that will be for the rest of us!
Mr Phillips’s departure presents a unique opportunity for Labour, which came second in last year’s general election.
The Tory majority was massive – more than 24,000 – so Jeremy Corbyn’s party will need to field a candidate with strong mass appeal, putting forward a policy platform that will carry the public along, and supported by a well-organised, co-ordinated campaigning team.
If Labour fails to make an impact, this will certainly be used as an argument against Mr Corbyn’s leadership.
Tory Stephen Phillips has quit as a Lincolnshire MP over “irreconcilable policy differences” with the government since the Brexit vote.
The MP for Sleaford and North Hykeham since 2010, he won the seat with a majority of more than 20,000 last year.
The MP backed EU exit but said he could not represent constituents due to disagreements with ministers about their approach since June’s Leave vote.
It is not clear whether he will stand in a forthcoming by-election.
The politician and barrister is the second Tory MP to stand down in as many weeks – Zac Goldsmith last week forced a by-election over Heathrow expansion.
Mr Phillips has been critical of the government’s approach to Brexit since June’s Leave vote, accusing Theresa May of trying to “ignore the views” of Parliament and avoiding scrutiny of the government’s negotiating position.
Source: Tory MP Stephen Phillips resigns – BBC News
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Strange why he should resign when he appears to be getting what he wanted. However, having said that, the more the merrier. When, I wonder, will we see the 30-odd Tories accused of election expenses fraud being forced to resign?
“Mr Phillips has been critical of the government’s approach to Brexit since June’s Leave vote, accusing Theresa May of trying to “ignore the views” of Parliament and avoiding scrutiny of the government’s negotiating position.”
On the face of it, he looks like an honourable man. Many so-called Hons in HOC are anything but!