MP issues statement on resignation of Tory leader

Hertford & Stortford constituency MP has issued a statement following the resignation of Boris Johnson as leader of the Conservative Party.

In the statement, Mrs Marson praises the leader's achievements whilst acknowledging that his departure is "the right course of action"

I believe Boris Johnson's resignation is the right course of action for the country.

Yesterday, I made my views known to the whips, as standards in public life are important and the circumstances of the appointment of the Deputy Chief Whip fell short of those standards.

However, I also felt it was important I stayed on in my role at the Ministry of Justice to serve my country by progressing our critically important work, including the Victims Bill and the Bill of Rights.

This is a sad day. I have supported a Prime Minister who won an 80-seat majority. He is a man who got Brexit done when many said it couldn't be done. He has shown great leadership during the pandemic and he has been steadfast in the face of Russian aggression in Ukraine.

These are real achievements.

I wish the Prime Minister and his family the very best. I hope we can now move forward as a party and a government in the best interests of our country.

:: Julie Marson MP

Mrs Marson was elected as constituency MP in 2019, replacing Mark Prisk who represented Hertford & Stortford for 18 years.

The MP also serves on the Treasury Select Committee and is a Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Ministry of Justice.

Despite representing Hertford & Stortford, her constituency office is in Harlow.

Josh Dean, speaking on behalf of Hertford & Stortford Labour Party said: "Hertford and Stortford's Tory MP shamefully remained silent throughout the events of the last  few days, finally offering a pathetic statement this afternoon. She could not bring herself to vote  against Boris Johnson's dismal leadership, and while her colleagues were resigning, retracting  support and resubmitting letters of no confidence, she was avoiding scrutiny from her  constituents. Hertford and Stortford deserves better, and the Labour Party looks forward to  challenging her record at the next election."

Hertford & Stortford Liberal Democrat Parliamentary spokesperson, Andrew Porrer commented: "It is depressingly predictable that Julie Marson continued to prop up Boris Johnson even after some of her Hertfordshire colleagues had resigned their government positions. Even her bestie, Priti Patel had told him to go. Mrs Marson needed to resign her government role before Johnson did but now she has missed her chance to do the right thing. She will be forever tainted with a seemingly unlimited tolerance for dishonesty."

Updated at 17:15 to include statement from local Liberal Democrat party.