Gambling Minister Chris Philp resigns amid Tory revolt
Publication of the white paper into the Gambling Act 2005 review now up in the air with more than 50 resignations
MP Chris Philp has quit as Gambling Minister, insisting that he can no longer serve in Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government any longer.
Philp, who is officially Minister for Tech and the Digital Economy, and was previously a staunch supporter of Johnson, also called on the Prime Minister to leave Downing Street.
More than 50 ministers have resigned as the Prime Minister faces a major backlash over his handling of the allegations of inappropriate behaviour against MP Chris Pincher.
The government’s long-overdue review in the Gambling Act 2005 is due to be published imminently, yet is it unclear whether this will be delayed if Johnson is forced to walk and a new leader and cabinet is formed.
Media reports suggest he is expected to deliver his resignation in a national address later today, 7 July.
Philp, who is an MP for Croydon South, said in his resignation letter that the review was “with No 10 for final approval” and that it contained “strong measures to protect people from the ravages of gambling addiction”.
“I have met with families of those who have committed suicide as a result of gambling addiction, and I urge you to deliver the review in full undiluted,” he added.
Philp, told Sky News this morning that if he was asked to return to office, he would. He said:
“I think all of us in public life are here to serve the country and if I was able to do that in whatever capacity, then obviously I’d be happy to serve.
“If I was asked to help out with getting the online safety bill through parliament, okay, I would be willing to help out in whatever way I could, in any capacity, whoever the leader was. I’m not asking for that. I’m not expecting it. I resigned and when you resign, you resign.”
Philp worked within the government Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), headed by Nadine Dorries, one of the few original cabinet ministers to stand by Johnson.
Elsewhere, a group of MPs this week will write to the Prime Minister to voice their concern that advisors who have ties to the gambling industry at No.10 could oppose tough regulation.
The letter by a cross-party group of MPs led by former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith and Labour MP Carolyn Harris will focus on the links between the industry and the government.
According to a report by The Guardian, the industry spent £280,000 on MPs, which included trips to Wimbledon and Euro 2020.