Conservative MPs react to Anna Soubry party resignation

Broxtowe’s MP Ms Soubry resigned the Conservative Party whip today (February 20) alongisde her colleagues Heidi Allen and Sarah Wollaston, citing divisions with Brexit and a discontent with the direction of their party.

They will join the breakaway Independent Group - made up already of eight former Labour MPs who quit their party in a row with Jeremy Corbyn on Brexit and anti-Semitism.

The group now has 11 MPs in parliament.

Ben Bradley also says the resignations show the Independent Group are “intent on stopping Brexit”.

He said: “It’s been a dramatic week and the problems with Corbyn and institutional racism in the Labour Party have lead to members saying they are ‘ashamed and embarrassed’ to be a part of Labour.

“It’s a shame that a handful of MPs have also chosen to leave the Conservative Party in an attempt to overturn the referendum result.

“The new Independent Group of MPs seem intent on a second referendum and stopping us from delivering what the overwhelming majority of people in Mansfield voted for.

“In truth though these MPs were voting against Brexit anyway, and their new political grouping won’t affect the arithmetic in Parliament.

“I’m sure Broxtowe members will elect a new candidate soon and we as a party need to deliver what we promised.”

He said: “I am saddened by the decision of three former colleagues to leave the Party today.

“While I know that they disagreed with the Government on Brexit policy, it is worth noting that the people of the UK voted to leave the European Union and it’s right that the Government delivers on that vote.”