Andrea Leadsom, House of Commons leader, resigns over Theresa May Brexit bill

Andrea Leadsom has resigned as leader of the House of Commons, saying she cannot support the prime minister’s Brexit bill.

Leadsom has signalled that she expects to launch a leadership bid, published her resignation letter after May resisted intense pressure to step aside.

Earlier today Leadsom warned May that she will not accept a new Brexit plan that leaves open the possibility of a customs union, before a key cabinet meeting to finalise the proposals.

Asked what she meant, Leadsom said that while she could support the customs arrangements already in the plan, any move to tempt Labour voters by holding open the possibility of a formal customs union, which could affect the UK’s ability to sign its own trade deals, would make it impossible for her to support it.

She said: “I have been very clear for years – leaving the EU means leaving the single market, leaving the customs union, taking back control of our money, border and laws.”

Via The Guardian