Conservative MP David Mundell has quit as UK Trade Envoy to New Zealand after he said he was “disappointed” Prime Minister Boris Johnson had not already stood down.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and David Mundell during Ardern's recent trip to Europe. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and David Mundell during Ardern’s recent trip to Europe. (Source: Supplied)

 

“I am very disappointed that the Prime Minister has not listened to the counsel of colleagues and stood down voluntarily in the interests of the country,” the MP for Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale said in a tweet.

“Earlier this week I wrote to the Chairman of the 1922 Committee confirming I had no confidence in the Prime Minister and asking that a further vote of confidence be held. I hope this can now take place as a matter of urgency,” Mundell said.

“Clearly such views are not compatible with holding a Government role and accordingly I have stood down as UK Trade Envoy to New Zealand.”

UK Trade Envoys are appointed parliamentarians to engage with markets where it is thought to be significant trade opportunities.

Mundell tweeted last week that it was a “huge pleasure to meet with New Zealand Premier Jacinda Ardern this evening and discuss the mutual benefits from our Free Trade Agreement and the related agreements signed on her visit to the UK today”.

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