Borough MP is latest to quit over Brexit

A borough MP has become the latest Conservative to resign his post as a result of the fallout from Theresa May's new Brexit deal.
Bolton West MP Chris GreenBolton West MP Chris Green
Bolton West MP Chris Green

Chris Green, who represents Atherton as part of his Bolton West seat, followed Brexit Secretary David Davis and Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson out of government roles in a turbulent day for the government.

Mr Green, who was Parliamentary Private Secretary to Transport Secretary Chris Grayling, made his decision after a meeting of the Conservative Parliamentary party and it was announced shortly after the Cabinet bombshells.

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In his letter to the Prime Minister, Mr Green said he had always understood, like his constiuents, that "Brexit means Brexit" and that the final deal should clearly illustrate "in no uncertain terms" that Britain had left the European Union.

"This ought not to be about a legalistic interpetation of the broadest possible meaning of the Conservative 2017 manifesto. It must be clear to the electorate that, even if we do not fully leave at the end of March 2019, our full independence is gained in time for them to cast their judgement at the following General Election," he added.

"The direction the negotiations have been taking have suggested that we would not really leave the EU and the conclusion and statements following the Chequers summit confirmed my fears."

Mr Green's decision was met with derision in some quarters, not least from his Camarthen West and South Pembrokeshire colleague, Simon Hart, who blasted his stance as 'irrelevant', given that he was only a private secretary.