Hucknall: Ashfield MP Lee Anderson withdraws support for Boris Johnson

The MP of a constituency which neighbours Hucknall, has confirmed he has lost confidence in the Prime Minister.

Lee Anderson, the MP for Ashfield, a former Boris Johnson loyalist, announced he has withdrawn his support for him in a Facebook post on Wednesday morning (July 6).

It comes after Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Health Secretary Sajid Javid both resigned within minutes of each other on Tuesday evening.

Mr Anderson said he shared the news "with a heavy heart", saying his position had changed after controversy relating to Tamworth MP Chris Pincher.

Mr Pincher resigned from his post as Deputy Chief Whip last week after he was accused of groping two men in a private members' club.

Earlier on Tuesday, it was confirmed that the Prime Minister was previously told about an investigation into Mr Pincher's inappropriate behaviour in 2019.

This followed repeated initial statements from Number 10 that Mr Johnson was unaware of specific allegations against his former deputy chief whip when he appointed him to the role. Mr Johnson has since apologised.

"It is quite obvious this was not a good appointment and to make matters worse number 10 did not act quick enough in removing the whip after Mr Pincher resigned", Mr Anderson wrote.

He added: "I cannot look myself in the mirror and accept this. It is my belief that our PM has got all the big decisions right and guided us through the most difficult time in my life time and I have always backed him to the hilt. That said integrity should always come first and sadly this has not been the case over the past few days.

"I do not hold a position I can resign from so the only thing I can do is make my feelings known to my constituents and party members. This statement may upset some people and I am sure some people will be delighted with the demise of our PM but I have a job to do and I must do it with a clear conscience.

"My focus has always been my constituents many of whom are friends, family and neighbours and my loyalty to them is paramount."

This follows claims from opposition local councillor for Hucknall Lee Waters of the Ashfield Independents who represents Hucknall wards on both Nottinghamshire County Council and Ashfield District Council, that 'it's clear that Boris Johnson is on his way out'.

He called for Hucknall's MP Mark Spencer to 'put our town first' and withdraw his support for the Prime Minister.

Mr Spencer, the MP for Sherwood the constituency within which Hucknall sits, has yet to publicly comment but so far remains in his role as Leader of the House of Commons.

Hucknall Nub News has approached him for comment.