Blow to Jeremy Corbyn as his shadow Brexit minister quits over Labour leader’s refusal to back Remain

JEREMY Corbyn suffered a major blow last night after his shadow Brexit minister quit in fury at his boss’ refusal to campaign to stay in the EU.

Matthew Pennycook said he resigned so he can campaign “unequivocally for the UK to stay in the EU”.

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Mr Pennycook said he was frustrated by Jeremy Corbyn’s position on Brexit[/caption]

His departure is yet another sign of the bitter Brexit civil war tearing Labour apart.

The party enraged many of its Brexit-hating MPs and activists by refusing to fully back Remain at their conference in Brighton this week.

Mr Corbyn and his allies rammed through a Brexit fudge which only commits the party to deciding whether to back Leave or Remain after an election.

His seething backbenchers warned the party will be slaughtered in the looming snap election if they fail to pick a side.

Mr Pennycook also said he wants to spend more time with his family as his second child will be born in a few weeks’ time.

AFP or licensors

Jeremy Corbyn, seen in the Commons tonight, said he understood Mr Pennycook’s position[/caption]

Mr Corbyn thanked him for his work.

He added: “I understand his position and wish him and his family well.”

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