As it happenedended1530116123

UK politics - as it happened: Theresa May under fire over Islamophobia in party and threat of no-deal Brexit

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Ashley Cowburn
Political Correspondent
Wednesday 27 June 2018 11:39 BST
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Jeremy Corbyn ridicules Boris Johnson over Heathrow at PMQs

Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn have clashed over Brexit, as the Labour leader sought to capitalise on cabinet rifts over the role of business in the negotiations.

MPs shouted 'Where's Boris?' when Mr Corbyn mocked the foreign secretary, who infuriated colleagues by reportedly shouting, "F*** business", when asked by diplomats about the plans to handle industry.

It comes as collective responsibility at the top of the government appeared to break down, when a cabinet minister hit out at red tape – including flagship environmental measures pushed by the prime minister and Michael Gove.

Liz Truss, the treasury chief secretary, openly mocked the environment secretary for his plan to ban wood-burning ovens and “macho” ministers.

George Freeman, formerly a member of Ms May’s policy unit, also accused his party’s senior figures on Tuesday of turning the process of leaving the EU into “essentially an alley street-cat fight between rival gangs”.

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Ashley Cowburn27 June 2018 08:34
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Speaking on Radio 4 this morning Ed Vaizey, a senior Conservative MP, said Liz Truss has achieved her goal of getting noticed when she made a “full frontal assault” on the environment secretary Michael Gove.

"It was, although light-hearted, a pretty full frontal assault," the former minister told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

"I think Liz Truss has achieved what she wanted to achieve, which is re-positioning herself and getting herself much more noticed than perhaps she has been in the past."

Ashley Cowburn27 June 2018 08:49
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In other Conservative party news, the leader of the Welsh Tory party Andrew Davies has resigned after seven years in the post. 

His resignation letter states:  "It is with deep regret that I announce that I have today tendered my resignation as leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the national assembly.  

"It has been a huge privilege to serve in this position since 2011, after securing the mandate in a full ballot of the grassroots, and I hope that my successor will emerge in that manner." 

It is not clear yet exactly why he decided to step down from his role. 

Last week, however, Mr Davies accused the plan manufacturer Airbus of "hyperbole" over its no-deal Brexit warning.

Responding to his Theresa May said: “I would like to send my thanks and best wishes to Andrew as he steps down after seven years as Leader of the Conservatives in the Welsh Assembly.

“Under Andrew’s leadership, the Welsh Conservatives have provided a strong opposition to Labour in Cardiff Bay and a strong voice for the people of Wales, both at home and in Westminster.

“It was a pleasure to join Andrew and the rest of the team at the Welsh Conservative conference last month. I know he will continue to be a passionate champion for the people of South Wales Central in the Assembly, as he has been for more than a decade – and will continue to speak up for the best interests of Wales as we leave the European Union and forge a new role for the whole United Kingdom on the world stage.”

Ashley Cowburn27 June 2018 10:08
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