Read the full article at: https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/news/stoke-on-trent-news/stoke-trent-mp-resigns-government-5663432?fbclid=IwAR18VQmGYZyvwYberAZRebmehtPmR99ckaoxtMj1hJO5qZqcfZ--4fWF5NM
A Stoke-on-Trent MP has resigned from the government in order to fight for the campaign in memory of toddler Harper-Lee Fanthorpe.
Jo Gideon was a parliamentary private secretary in the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).
Announcing her resignation, Mrs Gideon said: "It is important to me that I do everything within my power as the MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central to support my constituent through this campaign, and it serves as a prime example of why I stood to be an MP in the first place.
"Serving my constituents is my priority, above any personal or professional ambition—therefore, the decision I have taken, while painful, I know to be the right one. Therefore, with some sadness, I offer my resignation.”
Writing to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Mrs Gideon said: "As a member of the 2019 intake, I will be forever grateful for the early opportunity it afforded me to support the Government’s work.
"The past 16 months have been particularly challenging for our nation, and it has been an absolute privilege to serve in BEIS, which has delivered so many key policies and pieces of legislation and protected the livelihoods and businesses of so many of my constituents.
"The BEIS team was outstanding, and I could not have asked for a better first experience of a government department. In returning to the back benches, may I confirm my ongoing loyalty and support for the work of this Government, and look forward to many more opportunities to speak out on important themes directly affecting my constituency – in particular, the Levelling Up agenda, and to working tirelessly in the interests of Stoke-on-Trent Central.”
Harper Lee’s Law campaign will formally be launched in Parliament next Wednesday, 21st July, with a Private Member’s Bill, the Button Batteries (Safety) Bill. It will highlight the issues to raise public awareness and seek government support for a range of safety measures.
Read the full article at: https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/news/stoke-on-trent-news/stoke-trent-mp-resigns-government-5663432?fbclid=IwAR18VQmGYZyvwYberAZRebmehtPmR99ckaoxtMj1hJO5qZqcfZ--4fWF5NM
