Anne Milton resigns as Education Minister ahead of Tory leadership announcement

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Bonnie Christian23 July 2019
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Anne Milton has resigned as Education Minister ahead of the Tory leadership announcement.

She said she had "grave concerns about leaving the EU without a deal".

In a statement on Twitter posted alongside her resignation letter Ms Milton wrote: "Having abstained in the vote last week, today I have resigned from the Government.

"It has been an honour to serve on the Conservative frontbenches, my thanks to everyone I have had the pleasure of working alongside."

It came less than an hour before the result of the Tory leadership contest was due to be announced on Tuesday.

Ms Milton has previously held positions as Public Health Minister, Minister for Women and Minister for Apprenticeships and Skills.

She was also the first woman to serve as Deputy Chief Whip.

The Guildford MP defied the whip in order to abstain in a vote last week which saw MPs back moves aimed at making it harder for Mr Johnson to force through a no-deal Brexit by suspending Parliament.

In her resignation letter she wrote: "I have always believed that our departure from the European Union should be centred around future cooperation and I had sincerely hoped we would have been able to leave the EU in March with a deal in place.

"I regret very much that this was not possible. However, I have grave concerns about leave the Eu without a deal, and so I feel it is time for me to return to the backbenches.

"It is important to me to be free to do what I feel is right for the country and my constituents."

Tory leadership favourite Boris Johnson has refused to rule out a no-deal Brexit.

Ms Milton's resignation comes after Philip Hammond confirmed he will resign as Chancellor before Theresa May stands down on Wednesday if Mr Johnson becomes Prime Minister.

He said he will have no choice but to leave his post and return to the backbenches as he cannot sign up to support Mr John's stance on accepting a no deal Brexit.

Her resignation also follows that of Sir Alan Duncan from the Foreign Office on Monday.

Justice Secretary David Gauke is also expected to quit before Mr Johnson takes office, if he wins the Tory leadership contest.

Following Ms Milton's resignation, shadow education secretary Angela Rayner​ tweeted: "I wish you all the best Anne and it was always engaging working with you to improve education.

"You always recognised and championed the need for more funding & focus on FE (further education)."

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