A political tsunami engulfed Westminster yesterday when high profile Labour MP for Lewisham North Vicky Foxcroft resigned her influential post as government whip. Politicians from all sides were unanimous in comparing this seismic act as being on a par with Eden’s resignation in 1957.
Media commentators were taken by surprise by the unexpected resignation and were quick to interpret what this devastating act meant for Sir Keir Starmer and his tottering administration. Many were predicting that this single act could spell the end of Labour and usher in a general election.
Quietly yet diligently going about her demanding job, she has attracted admirers from across the political spectrum.
Whilst long-term sickness and disability benefits for working age people have risen by an astonishing £20 bn since the pandemic and are forecast to rise to £70bn in five years, Ms Foxcroft believes that these costs are both affordable and justified.
Her hard-hitting letter reveals the unbearable emotional turmoil and stress that she felt under with the government’s plans to trim the already meagre money paid out and impoverish swathes of the population.
I have wrestled with whether I should resign or remain in the Government and fight for change from within. Sadly it is now seems that we are not going to get the changes I desperately wanted to see. I therefore tender my resignation as I know I will not be able to do the job that is required of me and whip – or indeed vote – for reforms which include cuts to disabled people’s finances.
Lesser politicians faced with a similar dilemma would have opted for the simple route of resigning and forcing a by-election – exposing the administration that they so profoundly disagreed with to the verdict of their constituents.
That easy option was not one that Vicky Foxcroft would take.
Befitting her principles, she made the bold and noble decision to remain as an MP where she could still draw her salary and expenses.
Whilst some may carp about the calibre of today’s legislators, it is to Britian’s eternal credit that there are courageous people such as Vicky Foxcroft who are proud to stand up and be counted.
If you appreciated this article, perhaps you might consider making a donation to The Conservative Woman. Unlike most other websites, we receive no independent funding. Our editors are unpaid and work entirely voluntarily as do the majority of our contributors but there are inevitable costs associated with running a website. We depend on our readers to help us, either with regular or one-off payments. You can donate here. Thank you.
If you have not already signed up to a daily email alert of new articles please do so. It is here and free! Thank you.
