Shadow pensions minister Alex Cunningham has resigned from his post.
Cunningham was appointed shadow pensions minister in October 2016, but has confirmed that he has stepped down.
His resignation comes after he was one of 64 labour MPs to back an amendment to the EU withdrawal bill, despite being told to abstain by the party leadership. Cunningham’s office has confirmed his resignation.
In a statement, Cunningham highlighted that in recent months, he has spoken with representatives from many companies in his constituency and beyond and received lobbying from many of them through other means.
He said: "They are as one about the importance of the Government delivering the kind of access and regulatory regime they need to continue their businesses effectively in Europe.
“I voted as I did as I believed I was leaving the door open for any deal with the EU to possibly include the membership of the Customs Union – something I felt was in the best interests of industry and jobs in my Stockton North constituency.
“After my constituents voted overwhelmingly to leave the EU I saw it as my responsibility to support them in that decision and ensure I worked for the best possible outcome for them in terms of jobs and rights. That I will continue to do.”
