THE resignation of MP John Glen from his role within the Treasury department has led to mixed reactions from Salisbury residents and councillors.

While several residents have taken to social media to support Mr Glen’s decision, others have said it is “too little too late”.

This feeling was also felt by the city’s mayor, who said he was “disgusted” how long it had taken Mr Glen to resign.

The economic secretary to the treasury’s resignation letter to Boris Johnson follows a difficult period within government, where many MPs were becoming increasingly concerned about the prime minister. 

He wrote to Boris Johnson saying that “recent events concerning the handling of the appointment of the former deputy chief whip and the poor judgement you have shown, have made it impossible for me to square continued service with my conscience”.

Since the announcement, Salisbury residents have begun to express their opinions on social media.

On Facebook, Tony Fletcher said: At last, well done John, it is time for Boris Johnson to go. He’s bringing shame on the whole government.”

Paul Smith said: “He would have got more respect if he had resigned months ago when the Prime Minister lied in Parliament about the parties. Too little, too late.”

Nichola Lindsay Doe said: “Good news that he’s abandoned the drowning man, but the rat has yet to desert the sinking blue ship.”

Amanda Newberry said: “He showed loyalty to the government for as long as it was reasonably possible as a minister should. We should make the most of having a backbench MP for a while.”

Jessica Mccarnun said: “John Glen and I have previously butted heads on many matters like the pandemic, but I appreciate him finally taking a stand, this would have taken a lot of thought and strength.

“I just wish he had done it sooner, but now is better than never. Some are blinkered by power, by words and empty promises, I'm not one of those people.”

Anne McConkey said: “I am left of centre so not a fan of John Glen, but my feeling is that he should have resigned some time ago.

“I think John Glen voted for Boris Johnson in the no-confidence vote too. I have to say it feels to me that this is more about saving his career rather than integrity and values.”

Mayor, Cllr Tom Corbin (Labour) said: “Boris Johnson tries to do the populist thing and has never been fit for government especially on the world stage. So, for John Glen to only just resign now…. I think he should have done it months ago. I am just disgusted it has taken so long and Boris Johnson has made us a laughingstock.”

Cllr Richard Clewer, the Conservative leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “I share John’s views entirely over the behaviour of Boris Johnson. It is easy for me to say as I am not an MP, but I think recent events over Chris Pincher has made Boris Johnson’s position untenable.

“I don’t condemn others for not taking this view, but John Glen has felt that the moral issues were too important.”

John Glen was first elected to parliament as the Conservative MP for Salisbury in 2010 but will now return to the back benches. He became the longest serving economic secretary to the Treasury since the post was created in 1947.

According to his letter of resignation, he now intends to dedicate more time to the people of Salisbury and South Wiltshire. 

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