Tom Rutland Resigns as PPS to Environment Secretary
Tom Rutland, the Labour MP for East Worthing and Shoreham, has resigned from his role as parliamentary private secretary (PPS) to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. He will remain in Parliament as a backbencher.
He said it is incompatible to hold this view and continue serving on the frontbench.
In a statement, Rutland argued that the prime minister should set out a timetable for his departure and for a new leader to be chosen. He pointed to the recent local election results, noting that councillors lost their seats and that voters expressed animosity towards the prime minister.
Rutland said the prime minister has lost authority within the Parliamentary Labour Party and across the country, which he believes impedes the government's ability to deliver change.
He also expressed concern about the rise of the Reform party, stating he does not have faith that the prime minister can prevent it. Rutland concluded that it is incompatible to hold this view while serving on the frontbench, leading to his resignation.