Earlier this month Minister for Disabled People, Sarah Newton, became the 15th member of parliament to resign over Brexit, leaving the country with no advocate for disabled people.
The former MP for Truro and Falmouth announced her resignation on 13 March, shortly after Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit deal was rejected for the second time.
In a statement on her website, Newton explained her resignation was to honour her commitment to her constituents, to leave the EU with a deal.
Now, more than two weeks after the minister reigned, the role of Minister for Disabled People has not been filled.
Speaking with BBC Radio 5, vice-chairman of the Conservative party, James Cleverly, confirmed that the position would not be filled until Brexit negotiations concluded.
After he was pressed on the subject, Cleverly suggested that there is no point of replacing the Minister in case there is further ministerial walkouts.
Sarah Newton is the 15th member of the government to step down due to Brexit, this number now stands at 17.
Currently, four junior Minister posts and 11 ministerial aide positions are unfilled.
The failure to appoint a new champion for disabled people has garnered criticism from the public and charities, including the MS Society and mental health charity Mind.
In the wake of this criticism Cleverly insisted that even without a minister in the position, the Government’s work does not stop.
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