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Anne Milton resigns: Tory minister quits over fears about Boris Johnson pursuing no-deal Brexit

Ms Milton becomes second Tory minister to quit ahead of appointment of new PM

Lizzy Buchan
Political Correspondent
Tuesday 23 July 2019 12:21 BST
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Boris Johnson in profile

Education minister Anne Milton has resigned from the government, citing “grave concerns” about Boris Johnson’s support for leaving the EU without a deal.

Ms Milton is the second Tory minister to quit ahead of Mr Johnson’s appointment as prime minister, with speculation of a further exodus before he enters No 10 on Wednesday.

Mr Johnson’s refusal to rule out a no-deal Brexit has caused alarm in Westminster, with a string of senior cabinet ministers saying they cannot serve under his leadership.

Philip Hammond, the chancellor, has said he will resign before Mr Johnson takes over tomorrow, while David Gauke, the justice secretary, and Rory Stewart, the international development secretary, have made it clear they will stand down.

It comes after Mr Johnson’s former deputy at the Foreign Office, Sir Alan Duncan, resigned in order to mount an effective confidence vote to see if the new PM could command a majority in the Commons.

In her resignation letter, Ms Milton said: “I have always believed that our departure from the European Union should be centred around cooperation and I had sincerely hoped we would have been able to leave the EU with a deal in March.

“I regret very much that this was not possible.

“However I have grave concerns about leaving the EU without a deal, and so I feel it is time for me to return to the backbenches.

“It is important to me to be free to do what I feel is right for the country and my constituents.”

The Guildford MP defied the whip in order to abstain in a crucial Brexit vote last week, where MPs dealt a blow to Mr Johnson's ability to force through a no-deal Brexit by suspending parliament.

Mr Johnson won the Tory leadership contest by a large majority, securing 66 per cent of the vote over his rival Jeremy Hunt.

He will be appointed as prime minister on Wednesday by the Queen after Theresa May formally resigns from the office.

Moments after his appointment, Mr Gauke sent his congratulations and signalled he would stand down from his post at the Ministry of Justice.

He tweeted: "Looking forward to returning to backbenches tomorrow, serving people of South West Hertfordshire."

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