In the wake of the EU referendum and as confidence in Jeremy Corbyn as the leader of the opposition weakens, one of Britain’s most visible gay politicians quits the Shadow Cabinet.
CREDIT: CC flickr.com:photos:sicliff:
The Shadow Leader of the House Of Commons, Chris Bryant, has resigned after revealing that he has lost confidence in Jeremy Corbyn’s ability to lead Britain’s opposition.
In a week of political turmoil Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership of Labour has been put under tremendous pressure with 12 of his front benchers quitting their roles.
The resignations have forced Corbyn to announce a new cabinet.
Chris Bryant, one of the UK’s most visible gay politicians and MP for Rhondda in Wales Tweeted,
“We need someone new to unite and lead Labour.”
I’ve just spoken to Jeremy Corbyn and tendered my resignation from the Shadow Cabinet. We need someone new to unite and lead Labour.
— Chris Bryant (@RhonddaBryant) June 26, 2016
His resignation letter to Corbyn said,
“If you refuse to step aside I fear you will go down in history as the man who broke the Labour Party.”
“Sadly, the referendum has shown that you and your team cannot run an effective national campaign and that you do not command the support of the country.
“I urge you, because you are a decent man to do the decent thing and take the only action that can avert potential disaster by stepping aside.
“If you do so I believe future generations will praise your selflessness.”
I have just spoken to Jeremy Corbyn. Here is my resignation letter. pic.twitter.com/n0Tbya06is
— Chris Bryant (@RhonddaBryant) June 26, 2016
Jeremy Corbyn has refused to step down as Labour’s leader saying,
“I regret there have been resignations today from my shadow cabinet. But I am not going to betray the trust of those who voted for me – or the millions of supporters across the country who need Labour to represent them.”
