Who is Stephen Phillips? Tory MP who quit over Brexit and QC – here’s what we know
STEPHEN Phillips - a QC turned MP - has quit because of "irreconcilable policy differences" with the government" over Brexit.
Despite voting to leave the EU, he criticised Prime Minister Theresa May for excluding parliament in the process by failing to reveal her plans for leaving the EU.
His shock resignation follows Britain's most senior judges ruled MPs will get a vote on leaving the European Union.
Who is Stephen Phillips QC?
Dad-of-three Stephen Phillips was born on March 9, 1970, in Chiswick, London.
The former barrister who studied at Oxford University became a QC and served as a recorder.
He used to be married to Fiona née Goldsby, QC.
Together they have three children.
He divides his time between London and his home in Lincolnshire since being elected as the Sleaford and North Hykeham MP in 2010.
He was re-elected in May last year with a majority of more than 24,000.
In June 2016 he voted to leave the European Union but since criticised the PM for failing to include parliament in the Brexit process.
Is he normally a rebel MP?
The Conservative has hardly ever rebelled against their party in the current parliament.
The few times he has differed is when he voted to remove hereditary peers from the House of Lords and when he was in favour of leaving the EU.
What did he say about his resignation?
Announcing his resignation Mr Phillips said it had been an "honour" to serve in parliament for the past six years.
The dad-of-three added that he felt he was unable to "properly represent" his constituents and would step down immediately.
He added: “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.”
What have other MPs said about his resignation?
Just 24 hours after a landmark legal case threw Brexit up in the air, Mr Phillips announced his resignation from government - sending shock waves around the House of Commons.
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."
It comes after the High Court ruled the Prime Minister must seek parliamentary approval before triggering Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, a decision which the Government will appeal against.
The chairman of Mr Phillips’ local Conservative Association George Clark said the constituency party was “disappointed” at his resignation.
We were disappointed to receive it, and are sorry that you have reached this decision.
George Clark
The shock announcement is further bad news for Theresa May'
What happens next?
Mr Phillip's resignation will trigger a by-election in the Sleaford and North Hykeham seat.
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