Statement from Simon Fell, Conservative Spokesman for Barrow and Furness, on the resignation of John Zak Woodcock from the Labour Party:
“I was saddened to read John’s resignation letter and have laid bare the absolute mess that the current Labour party is in.
“We now have an MP with zero influence either with the government or the opposition - a sorry state of affairs. Similarly, John’s actions have only highlighted that Labour are also divided and in chaos locally.
“John admitted himself that he was elected on a wafer-thin margin on the back of Jeremy Corbyn’s popularity last year. His actions now clearly break that trust.
“I’m glad that John has now stated that he will seek to support the government, especially as we now face the critical task of honouring the wishes of the 60% of Barrovians’ who voted to leave the EU.
“The hard-left Labour Party is a risk to Barrow’s prosperity. We can’t trust them with Barrow’s future, or our economy.”