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Theresa May election fall-out affects Jewish Tory MPs
MPs Robert Halfon, Andrew Percy and Richard Harrington are at the centre of changes to Theresa May's government after shock general election result
June 14, 2017 17:29
MPs Robert Halfon, Andrew Percy and Richard Harrington are at the centre of changes to Theresa May's government after shock general election result
June 14, 2017 17:29
Robert Halfon, the Jewish MP for Harlow who was sacked in Theresa May’s post-election reshuffle, has said his party face years in the “wilderness” unless they broaden their appeal to the electorate.
In an outspoken attack the former Minister of State for Skills, writing for The Sun, suggested that the Tories should change their name to the Workers Party or Conservative Workers Party in order to reconnect with so-called “blue collar” voters.
Mr Halfon, a former Conservative Friends of Israel director who was re-elected to Harlow last week with a 7,031 majority, argued that the party must represent workers in the manner of a trade union, defending their interests and promoting opportunities.
A second Jewish Conservative MP, Andrew Percy, who was re-elected to the Brigg and Goole seat he has held since 2010, has announced that he is standing down as Northern Powerhouse minister to “pursue other challenges” .
Mr Percy, who converted to Liberal Judaism earlier this year, was invited to remain in the role of Minister for the Northern Powerhouse at the Department for Communities and Local Government, but declined the offer.
In a post on Instagram, Mr Percy, who was appointed to the Government less than 12 months ago, wrote: “Was a privilege to be asked to continue serving in my role in Government as a Minister, but I have reluctantly decided to step down and leave the Government.
“I thank the Prime Minister for offering me this role again but I have decided to pursue other challenges. She continues to enjoy my full support from the back benches.
“I will not be making any further comment or doing any media on my decision.”
Mr Percy told the JC earlier this year that he had converted to Judaism following his whole-hearted commitment to the state of Israel.
The 39-year-old politician, who was born in Hull, also stressed the spiritual fulfilment he got from his faith.
Richard Harrington, the former pensions minister has been moved into the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. The Jewish MP for Watford clung onto the seat he has held since 2010 – but with a much reduced majority of just over 2,000.