Chris Williamson’s resignation from the Labour frontbench shows that the party isn’t just a protest movement any more. The staunch Corbynite found himself the focus of Tory campaign graphics this week after suggesting that council tax should be doubled on some of the highest-value properties.
This afternoon, Labour confirmed that their Shadow Fire Minister had stepped down. Williamson said:
‘I will be standing down from my role with immediate effect so that I can return to the backbenches, where I will be campaigning on a broader range of issues. I will continue to loyally support the leadership of Jeremy Corbyn from the backbenches and hope to be a voice for the party’s members.’
That last clause suggests Williamson isn’t too unhappy about the effects of his comments: he clearly suspects that members will think he was pushed out by mendacious Tory campaigning featuring pictures of his face.
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