Jo Stevens MP, Labour MP for Cardiff Central, has resigned from the shadow cabinet.
The shadow Welsh Secretary announced her resignation in protest at Labour leader Jermey Corbyn’s decision to impose a three line whip to vote in favour of triggering the Article 50 Brexit Bill.
Ms Stevens explained her decision in a letter to the Labour leader:
“I believe that leaving [the EU] is a terrible mistake and I cannot reconcile my overwhelming view that to endorse the step that will make exit inevitable, is wrong.
“I expect this to be the most important vote I will ever cast as an MP and for me it is a clear issue of principle and conscience.
“When I vote I will be representing my constituents.
“It has been a real honour and a privilege to serve as your Shadow Secretary of State for Wales, the country where I was born, bred, work and live.
I have resigned from Shadow Cabinet today. I’ll vote against the 3-line whip to trigger #Article50. My letter to the leader: pic.twitter.com/cED6WgNfeX
— Jo Stevens MP (@JoStevensLabour) January 27, 2017
Whitchurch and Tongwynlais Labour councillor, Ben Thomas, says the former shadow Welsh secretary has made a difficult decision:
“I think it’s sensible for Jo Stevens to retire from the Labour shadow cabinet.
“I can completely understand Jo’s position and why she’s decided to step away from front line politics.
“Jo is passionate and holds herself so well regarding this particular issue.
“It would be morally wrong for her to continue in her position if she voted against it.
“I believe she’s doing the right thing for the people that she represents and for the people of Wales”.
Councillor Sarah Merry, Labour councillor for Cathays, says she respects Ms. Stevens’ choice to resign:
“She’s made the right decision. Jo is intelligent and principled”.
Councillor Caro Wild, Labour councillor for Riverside, says:
“Jo is widely respected for her integrity and principles.
“I think most people in Cardiff would agree with her that we cannot support the hard Brexit approach taken by Theresa May”.
It comes a day after Tulip Siddiq resigned from her role as frontbencher after Jeremy Corbyn ordered Labour MPs to back the Government Brexit plan.
