Corbyn critic Jamie Reed to quit as MP for job in nuclear industry
Despite his differences with the party leadership, Jamie Reed says the move has "absolutely nothing to do with" Jeremy Corbyn.
Wednesday 21 December 2016 15:37, UK
One of Jeremy Corbyn's most persistent backbench critics has said he will stand down from Parliament to take up a job in the nuclear industry.
Jamie Reed will quit as Labour MP for Copeland in west Cumbria at the end of January, when he becomes head of development and community relations at the Sellafield plant in his constituency.
His departure will spark a potentially awkward by-election for Mr Corbyn.
Mr Reed has held the seat since 2005, but saw his majority over the Conservatives shrink to 2,564 in last year's general election.
In a letter revealing his decision, Mr Reed said it was the "hardest decision of my life".
And he told Mr Corbyn: "We desperately need a Labour government so that communities like mine can build the future they deserve.
"I wish you every success in your endeavours to become our next Labour prime minister."
Mr Reed denied his departure was caused by his very open differences with the party leadership.
"This decision has got absolutely nothing to do with Jeremy Corbyn," he told The Guardian.
"On a personal level I've got a very cordial relationship.
"One of the reasons that I am moving on is because I think there's a better way of (serving the community) right now than to remain as a Member of Parliament."
Mr Reed, who worked as a press officer at Sellafield before entering Parliament, said in his letter that the decision was motivated in part by a desire to spend more time with his family, saying it was "very difficult being a long-distance dad".
Mr Reed was on a list of MPs hostile to the leader drawn up by Mr Corbyn's campaign team during this year's leadership contest.
He voted for Trident renewal earlier this year, branding the leader's opposition to nuclear weapons "juvenile" and "narcissistic".
Conservative chairman Sir Patrick McLoughlin said: "It is a sorry state of affairs when talented Members of Parliament like him no longer feel comfortable representing Jeremy Corbyn's Labour Party - a divided party run by a leader who opposes Trident and wants to dismantle our armed forces.
"We look forward to the by-election, and the opportunity to set out how the Conservatives are building a country that works for everyone, not just the privileged few."
Mr Corbyn said: "I am sorry to hear that Jamie Reed is to stand down as MP for Copeland."
"Jamie has given great service to his party, his country and his constituency.
"He has been a powerful voice for rural and remote communities and served his community well, campaigning for additional flood defences and infrastructure for Cumbria. I wish him all the best in his future role.
"We now face a by-election and local party members will soon choose a candidate equally committed to Copeland and its people."