Stephen Phillips has resigned as Conservative MP for Sleaford and North Hykeham over “irreconcilable policy differences” with Theresa May’s government in the wake of the Brexit vote.
The Lincolnshire MP voted to leave the European Union on 23 June, but says ministers have since by-passed Parliament, and prevented him from doing his job of representing his constituents on a national level.
Phillips disagrees with May’s hardline opposition to immigration and refugees and general shift to the right, where it now occupies the political ground previously held by UKIP.
He said:
“I voted Leave to get back sovereignty. What I got was tyranny.”
It is unclear whether Phillips plans to stand for reelection as an independent in the previously safe Tory seat that he won in 2015 with 56% of the vote, a majority of 24,115.
His resignation will put further pressure on May’s government that has already seen the resignation of Zac Goldsmith over the planned expansion to Heathrow. Before the resignations the Conservatives had a small majority of 17, and the two by-elections could see that lead eroded further.
Phillips’ resignation comes in the wake of a decision by three High Court judges that the government cannot use royal prerogative to bypass the discussion of her plans for Brexit by Parliament.
