Tory
Brexit rebel Rory Stewart has announced that he will stand down as an MP at the next general election.
The former cabinet minister also revealed he has resigned as a Conservative member, having already had the whip withdrawn for rebelling to block a no-deal Brexit.
Announcing his departure, he said: “It’s been a great privilege to serve Penrith and The Border for the last 10 years, so it is with sadness that I am announcing that I will be standing down at the next
election, and that I have also resigned from the Conservative party.It’s been a great privilege to serve Penrith and The Border for the last ten years, so it is with sadness that I am announcing that I will be standing down at the next election, and that I have also resigned from the Conservative Party.— Rory Stewart (@RoryStewartUK) October 4, 2019The MP for Penrith and the Border, in Cumbria, finished fifth in this year’s Tory leadership contest, which was eventually won by Boris Johnson.
Stewart has since been a critic of the prime minister, and voted alongside 20 other Tory rebels for the Benn act to block a no-deal Brexit on October 31.
Johnson responded by removing the party whip from the rebels, meaning they have been sitting as independents in the Commons, while remaining Tory members.
More recently he has joined the cross-party MPs For A Deal group, which wants to deliver Brexit with a deal.
Several colleagues expressed their disappointment with his decision.
Amber Rudd, who quit the cabinet and the Tory whip over Brexit, said Stewart was “one of the strongest speakers in parliament” and would be “a loss to politics”.
Tory backbencher Paul Masterton said he was “incredibly sad” to see Stewart go.
Labour MP Ian Lucas said Stewart’s resignation was “a loss” for the Commons and the country.What a loss to politics. An outstanding MP & Minister. One of the strongest speakers in Parliament. Principled, patient, thoughtful. I feel certain he’ll be back . https://t.co/GPC5mfclLD— Amber Rudd MP (@AmberRuddHR) October 4, 2019Incredibly sad https://t.co/oY8oOlbIVr— Paul Masterton MP (@PM4EastRen) October 4, 2019A loss to the House of Commons and the country. https://t.co/MZxdlUNRlD— Ian Lucas MP (@IanCLucas) October 4, 2019Related... Boris Johnson’s Brexit Plan Is Already Facing Rejection In Brussels Brexit No-Deal Blame Game Begins
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