Tory ‘red wall’ poster girl Dehenna Davison quits as minister amid battle with chronic migraines
TORY red wall poster girl Dehenna Davison today quit as a Levelling Up minister, saying it was "impossible" to stay in the job while battling chronic migraines.
The firebrand MP, aged 30, was already set to stand down at the next election and will be replaced by red wall colleague Jacob Young, also 30.
In her resignation letter, Ms Davison said she wants to spend more time focussing on constituency work and campaigning for one punch assault victims.
The MP's father tragically died after a single punch at a Sheffield pub.
Ms Davison said: "Some days I'm fine, but on others it is difficult, if not impossible, to keep up with the demands of ministerial life - and the timing of such days is never predictable.
"Though I have tried to mitigate, and am grateful to colleagues for their patience at times, I don't feel it is right to continue in the role."
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She added: "At such a critical time for levelling up, I believe the people of communities like mine, and across the country, deserve a minister who can give the job the energy it needs.
"I regret that I no longer can.
"And, as my capacity is currently diminished, it feels right to focus it on my constituents, and on promoting conservatism from the backbenches."
Ms Davison rose to Tory stardom after winning her Bishop Auckland seat from Labour in the 2019 election.
She was touted as the future face of Conservatism - young, energetic and from a working class Northern household.
The MP had previously appeared on the reality TV show Bride and Prejudice, as at the of 26 she entered into a relationship with a 59-year-old Tory councillor.
Last year Ms Davison announced intentions to quit at the next general election, saying she wanted to focus on family and life outside of politics.
Commenting on her resignation, Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said: "Really sorry to lose Dehenna from the department - a brilliant minister and kind friend.
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"Wishing her all the very best for the future.
"She has so much to offer."