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George Freeman: Theresa May's head of policy unit resigns

Mr Freeman's departure comes after several high-profile resignations from Theresa May's top team

Lizzy Buchan Political Correspondent 5 mins ago
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/george-freeman-resigns-theresa-may-head-of-policy-unit-government-a8065731.html

The head of Theresa May’s policy unit has resigned amid calls for a radical shake-up of the Tory party.

Mid Norfolk MP George Freeman has stepped down from his role as chair of the Prime Minister’s policy board at Number Ten to concentrate on reforming the party, in another blow to Theresa May's weakened administration.

Mr Freeman, who made the headlines by organising a 'Tory Glastonbury' for party activists in the summer, said Tory chairman Patrick McCloughlin needed to be replaced and called for a new team at CCHQ to rejuvenate the party.

It comes

Writing on the website ConservativeHome, he said: "I’ve stood down as Chair of the Prime Minister’s Policy Board in Number Ten, to focus on my role as Chair of the Conservative Policy Forum.

"We need a strong Conservative forum and voice – outside of, but heard inside, Government."

Labour seized on the news as evidence of further chaos under Ms May's leadership, claiming it showed the "lazy privilege" at the top of the party.

Shadow Cabinet Office minister Jon Trickett said: “For a man who once said that the ‘raison d’ être’ of his role in No.10 was to face the challenge of renewal in office, his resignation speaks volumes on the current state of the Tories in Government.

“He has caught the essence of the Conservative Party in a two word phrase: lazy privilege. It tells you all that’s wrong with Theresa May’s Government because they are working for the few, while Labour is working for the many.”

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http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/george-freeman-resigns-theresa-may-head-of-policy-unit-government-a8065731.html