Vicky Foxcroft, a government whip and the former shadow minister for disabled people has resigned her post as a whip in protest at the cuts to personal independence payment (PIP) and universal credit (UC).
Foxcroft built a very positive relationship with disabled people’s organisations in her time as a shadow minister and many were devastated when Stephen Timms was given the ministerial post instead of Foxcroft, when Labour won the election.
In her resignation letter this evening, Foxcroft wrote:
“I absolutely understand the need to address the ever increasing welfare bill in these difficult economic times, but I have always believed this could and should be done by supporting more disabled people into work. I do not believe that the cuts to personal independence payment (PIP) and the health element of universal credit should be part of the solution.
“I have wrestled with whether I should resign or remain in the Government and fight for change from within. Sadly it now seems that we are not going to get the changes I desperately wanted to see. I therefore tender my resignation as I know that I will not be able to do the job that is required of me and whip – or indeed vote -for reforms which include cuts to disabled people’s finances.”
Foxcroft’s resignation from her post as a whip - not as an MP - so soon after the publication of the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill will come as a blow to the government, even if not a huge surprise. It may also embolden other MPs who have been reluctant so far to go public with their opposition to the cuts.
Vicky Foxcroft is on social media and can also be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if anyone wants to offer her messages of support.
