The resignation of Dr Phillip Lee has been described as a major blow for the Government, while the BBC’s political editor Laura Kuenssberg said that “He is categorically not the only Tory MP among the younger ranks who is upset and irritated by how the government is handling Brexit”.
She added that she had been told by a source that the October Conservative party conference “would be the ‘biggest beauty parade ever’, with it becoming increasingly clear in their view, that the day of Brexit will be the moment when pressure on Theresa May will become untenable.”
Dr Lee’s voice adds one more to the band of potential rebels against the government that could defeat them in Parliament. More than that, his decision might give other ministers in the middle ranks the courage to speak out too.
- Laura Kuenssberg, BBC News
And Metro’s report of Dr Lee’s resignation is headlined “Theresa May suffers major blow as justice minister Dr Phillip Lee quits over Brexit”.
The Liberal Democrats press office is warning that Dr Lee’s resignation is a sign of things to come.
“The Tories are stumbling towards a disastrous Brexit that will damage our economy and Britain’s place in the world,” they warn.
.@thomasbrake: "Dr Phillip Lee has done the right thing by his constituents and the country. Where he leads, other Ministers should follow. For Theresa May, this is a warning of things to come." pic.twitter.com/XuLd0SYwRE
— Lib Dem Media Team (@LibDemPress) June 12, 2018
https://twitter.com/RemoanerH/status/1006484642424344576
I am reminded by the resignation of Dr Phillip Lee what the duty of an MP is
Country, Constituency then Party I think I've got it in the right order
I have a great deal of respect for you and I know over the next few days you will do what you think is right.
— James Chespy FRSA, Once a Cop, always for Jesus (@frederickchespy) June 12, 2018
https://twitter.com/doctorcdf/status/1006475508639510528
Wow! At last someone with the guts to make a stand for democracy and the future of our country, of our children. My sincere thanks – and respect – to Dr Phillip Lee.
— goodbyeeurope (@goodbyeeurope27) June 12, 2018
Not everyone agrees with Dr Lee’s decision. One person said that his constituents would not be pleased:
Dr Phillip Lee seems not to fancy this politics lark his constituents voted to leave and he's resigned in effect to try and thwart brexit. Can't see the people of Bracknell being pleased
— ex football fan (@chrisjlatimer) June 12, 2018
Dr Phillip Lee MP should be deselected ASAP.
— Carson (@abcde12) June 12, 2018
https://twitter.com/vicky_moriarty/status/1006479755208732674
https://twitter.com/robert120162/status/1006479111940988929
And it’s possible that Dr Lee’s stance could cause a by-election.
One commentator suggested that Dr Lee will be called to his constituency next week, but the local Conservative office was not picking up the phone when we tried calling – so this remains unconfirmed at this time.
https://twitter.com/JamessReality/status/1006482527983456256
