LONDON – Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom has quit the cabinet, saying she no longer believes the government’s approach will deliver Brexit.
Her resignation comes amid a backlash against Theresa May’s Brexit plan from Conservative MPs.
Several cabinet ministers have told the BBC that May cannot stay, with one saying it is “the end of the line”.
A Downing Street statement expressed disappointment, adding that Leadsom had “served with distinction”.
A spokesman said the prime minister was “focused on delivering Brexit”.
Leadsom previously ran for Tory leader but withdrew, clearing the path for May to become prime minister.
As Commons leader, she was in charge of organising government business and had been due to announce when the prime minister’s Withdrawal Agreement Bill would be introduced to Parliament.
Her resignation is the 36th by a minister under Theresa May – 21 of them over Brexit – and comes a day before the United Kingdom votes in the European elections.
Others, though, insist Theresa May should push on with her plan to put her withdrawal Agreement Bill to a vote.
(BBC)
