Two Co-op MPs quit shadow minister roles

Two Labour/Co-op MPs have resigned their shadow minister posts following Jeremy Corbyn’s reshuffle.

Shadow transport minister Jonathan Reynolds and shadow Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty announced their resignations on Wednesday over the sacking of Pat McFadden, the former shadow Europe minister, who spoke out against terrorism.

Mr Doughty resigned live on the BBC’s Daily Politics show. He said he agreed with Jeremy Corbyn on a number of issues, but added: “It is really, really sad the number of lies and unfortunate statements that are coming out from the leader’s office about the situation.”

In a letter to Jeremy Corbyn, Jonathan Reynolds said Mr McFadden “was right to condemn those who would to any degree absolve Isis [Islamic State] for their actions following the atrocities in Paris”.

He added: “I have enjoyed the role a great deal and particularly the discussions I have had with you personally. I believe you to be sincere and passionate in your commitment to public transport, which I welcome a great deal.”

As a Labour/Co-op MP and rail minister, Mr Reynolds was in a position to support the Co-operative Party’s agenda for a ‘People’s Railway’ within the shadow government. The Co-op Party believes government should “legislate to enable a not-for-profit operator, run in adherence to co-operative principles, to be established on the railway”.

There are four Labour/Co-op MPs who remain in the shadow cabinet. They are: Seema Malhotra (shadow chief secretary to the Treasury); Lucy Powell (education); Luciana Berger (mental health); and Jonathan Ashworth (shadow minister without portfolio). Other shadow ministers, not in the cabinet, include: Rachael Maskell (defence) and Steve Reed (communities and local government).