Labour MP Tom Blenkinsop announces he won't stand in snap election due to 'irreconcilable differences' with Jeremy Corbyn
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One of Jeremy Corbyn's biggest critics in the Labour party has confirmed he will stand down ahead of this summer's snap general election.
Tom Blenkinsop, Labour MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, made the announcement just minutes after Theresa May stood outside Downing Street and revealed the country would head to the polls on June 8 .
He has previously blamed Corbyn and the "far-left" for failing to secure votes and losing seats to the Conservatives.
He wrote on his website: “I will not seeking re-election as the member of Parliament for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland.
“I have made no secret about my significant and irreconcilable differences with the current Labour leadership. It is because of these differences I feel I cannot in good faith stand as the Labour candidate for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland.
(Photo: AFP)
“Representing the people of Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland has been the proudest years of my life.
“I will do all I can in my time remaining as an MP to champion my constituents and the area that means so much to me, as I have been proud to do over the last 7 years.”
He spoke out after the Conservatives won the Coulby Newham by-election to Middlesbrough Council with a swing of more than 8%.
Mr Blenkinsop previously said: "We lost due to the leader's name being mentioned on the doorstep as the reason why residents were not voting Labour.
"And I am certain this is not just the case here but across boroughs and constituencies the length and breadth of Great Britain."
Jeremy Corbyn has said he "looks forward" to fighting a snap general election on June 8 to "stand up for the people of Britain".
The Labour leader welcomed Theresa May's shock announcement today ahead of tomorrow's vote on the election in the House of Commons.
An election can only happen if least two-thirds of MPs back it under rules laid down by the Fixed-term Parliaments Act.
Mr Corbyn's statement indicates Mrs May will easily pass that threshold.
He said: "I welcome the Prime Minister’s decision to give the British people the chance to vote for a government that will put the interests of the majority first.
“Labour will be offering the country an effective alternative to a government that has failed to rebuild the economy, delivered falling living standards and damaging cuts to our schools and NHS.
“In the last couple of weeks, Labour has set out policies that offer a clear and credible choice for the country.
"We look forward to showing how Labour will stand up for the people of Britain."
Recent polls have put Labour 21 points behind the Tories.
Asked if he'd stand down if he lost, Mr Corbyn told Sky News: "We are campaigning to win this election, that’s the only question now."
Asked if he was the next Prime Minister, he replied: "If we win the election, yes."