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Labour Party Chris Williamson returns to back benches to be ‘a voice for members’ backing Corbyn

SHADOW fire minister Chris Williamson stepped down from his role today.

The Derby North MP hinted that he wanted to work on issues that lie beyond his remit on the front bench.

He said in a statement: “I will be standing down from my role with immediate effect so that I can return to the back benches, where I will be campaigning on a broader range of issues.

“I will continue to loyally support the leadership of Jeremy Corbyn from the back benches and hope to be a voice for the party’s members.”

The BBC reported that the decision to step down was publicised a day after he suggested to the Huffington Post that council tax bills for the highest value homes in England should be doubled.

Mr Williamson had stressed that his council tax proposal was not party policy.

According to the Mirror, Mr Corbyn’s office initiated the conversation about his council tax idea that led to Mr Williamson leaving his role.

Mr Corbyn said: “I am grateful for Chris’s work on the front bench, particularly on fire safety following the appalling Grenfell Tower fire.

“I know that, on the back benches, Chris will be a strong campaigner on a range of crucial issues as well as serving his constituents with dedication.”

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