Conservative MP and Brexit supporter resigns over 'policy differences' with Government

Political reporter(wp/es):

Brexit Leave campaigner Stephen Phillips has resigned from the Conservative party due to "irreconcilable differences” with Theresa May.

The MP for Sleaford and North Hykeham has left with immediate effect after announcing he had “very significant policy differences” with the current Government.

Mr Phillips, who has repeatedly called for Theresa May to reveal her Brexit plan to Parliament before beginning the formal process of leaving the European Union, said he was "unable to properly represent" his constituents.

It comes after the High Court ruled that the Prime Minister must get parliamentary approval before triggering Article 50 to begin the formal process of leaving the EU.

In a statement, Mr Phillips said: "It has been a great honour to serve the people of Sleaford and North Hykeham for the last six years, but it has become clear to me over the last few months that my growing and very significant policy differences with the current Government mean that I am unable properly to represent the people who elected me.

"This decision has been a difficult one and I hope that everyone will respect the fact that I have tried to act in the best interests of all of my constituents."

A Conservative Party spokesman said: "Stephen Phillips has been a valuable member of Parliament since 2010 and we are sorry that he has chosen to step down. 

“We thank him for his hard work and we wish him every success in the future."

His resignation will trigger a by-election in his seat, where he had a majority of more than 24,000 at last year's general election.