Stephen Lloyd quits Lib Dem group of MPs over Brexit

Lib Dem MP Stephen Lloyd has quit the party's group in Parliament so he can vote for Theresa May's Brexit deal.

The Eastbourne MP says he remains a member of the party, but wants to keep his promise to voters to respect the result of the referendum.

"I have decided that the only honourable thing for me to do is resign the party whip in Parliament," he said.

His departure reduces the number of Lib Dems MPs to 11. The party opposes Brexit and backs a further referendum.

The party's position is that they will vote against the Brexit deal Theresa May has negotiated with the EU, when MPs vote on it next Tuesday.

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In a statement Mr Lloyd said: "I have come to the conclusion that I cannot honestly uphold the commitment I made... to accept the result of the referendum, vote for the deal the prime minister brought back from the EU and not back calls for a second referendum - whilst supporting the Lib Dem parliamentary party's formal position of voting against Theresa May's deal and advocating a 'People's Vote'.

"Although I have resigned the Whip, I continue to be a member of the Liberal Democrats, have nothing but respect and affection for the party leader, Sir Vince Cable MP, my Parliamentary colleagues and the Lib Dems.

"I will not cease fighting hard for liberal values, both locally and nationally."

While Mr Lloyd campaigned for a Remain vote in the 2016 EU Referendum, Eastbourne backed Leave by 57% - higher than the national average of 52%. In the 2017 snap election, Mr Lloyd beat his Conservative rival Caroline Ansell by 1,609 votes, having lost it to her in 2015.

A Liberal Democrat statement said: "We respect what we know was a difficult decision for Stephen ahead of next week's vote and are sorry to see him go. Liberal Democrats are clear that we will be voting against Theresa May's deal.

"The Liberal Democrats have campaigned for an exit from Brexit and a people's vote where people can choose to remain in the European Union... we will continue to fight for this in Parliament."