Tory MP Caroline Ansell resigns from government over free school meals rebellion | Politics News

A Conservative MP has quit her junior government role after rebelling to support extending free school meals over the coming school holidays.

Caroline Ansell resigned as a parliamentary private secretary to the environment secretary, saying she “could not in all conscience ignore” her belief the policy would benefit families struggling during the pandemic.

She said she backed Labour’s motion, which was defeated in the House of Commons last night, because “I am very concerned to be doing all we can to help lower-income families and their children who are really struggling due to the impact of the virus”.