Hornchurch and Upminster MP Angela Watkinson resigns as whip to focus on constituency

Hornchurch and Upminster MP Angela Watkinson is no longer a government whip after resigning so she can raise constituency business in parliament.

In David Cameron’s first reshuffle since 2010, the Prime Minister named a new team of whips last week – MPs who enforce the party line – among his many other appointments.

Ms Watkinson had been in the post since she was appointed when the Conservative Party were in opposition in December 2005.

She said: “I informed the Prime Minister three months ago that I would resign as a whip at the reshuffle to enable me to speak in the House of Commons.

“Whips are allowed to speak in opposition but not in government. I shall speak on constituency matters when they arise.”