Paul Bristow was a parliamentary private secretary with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. This is one of the most junior roles in government. The decision to remove him from post contrasts with the varied positions Labour is allowing its senior MPs to take.
A Conservative MP has been sacked from his government post after calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Paul Bristow has been asked to leave his position as a parliamentary private secretary (PPS) after writing to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to urge a “permanent” break in fighting between Israel and Hamas.
He was fired for comments that are “not consistent with the principles of collective responsibility,” a Number 10 spokesperson said.
Speaking later to Sky News, the Peterborough MP said: “I completely understand the PM’s decision. And it is with regret I leave a job I enjoyed.
“But I can now talk openly about an issue so many of my constituents care deeply about. I believe I can do this better from the backbenches rather than as part of the government payroll.”
Mr Bristow, who was a PPS at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), wrote a two-page letter to Mr Sunak last Thursday.
A PPS is one of the most junior roles in government – and is often described as a “bag-carrier” for the more senior ministers.
