Skip to content
Thursday 20 August 2026London --:--Frankfurt --:--Zurich --:--
NewslettersSearchEN · DE · FR
MorningWire

European business, markets and politics

FTSE 100
10,743.35
+0.14%
DAX
26,091.33
0.00%
CAC 40
8,501.91
0.00%
STOXX 50
6,444.46
0.00%
  • Europe
  • Markets
  • Business
  • Economy
  • Regulation
  • Politics
  • Opinion
More
GermanyFranceEU InstitutionsCompetitionPublic AffairsBankingTechnologyEnergy
  • Germany
  • France
  • Europe
  • Markets
  • Business
  • Economy
  • Regulation
  • Politics
  • Opinion
  • DE
Wednesday 06 January 2016 1:06 pm

Jeremy Corbyn’s shadow cabinet faces slew of resignations as Jonathan Reynolds, Stephen Doughty and Kevan Jones leave Labour’s front bench

By: James Nickerson

Add as a preferred source on Google

A slew of resignations from Labour's front bench has followed leader Jeremy Corbyn's first shadow cabinet reshuffle.

Shadow rail minister Jonathan Reynolds, shadow foreign office minister Stephen Doughty and Kevan Jones, a shadow defence minister, are the first casualties of Corbyn's reshuffle, which concluded after over 30 hours of deliberations.

Announcing the news, Reynolds said: "On reflection regarding yesterday's Labour reshuffle, I have decided that it's best if I serve the Party as a backbencher. I've written to Jeremy this morning to let him know."

Read more: Here's what the shadow cabinet looks like now

In the letter, Reynolds said that he appreciated Corbyn's need for greater discipline on the frontbench, but that due to this it would be more appropriate for him to serve as a backbencher.

Reynold's resignation comes after a reshuffle that consisted of over 30 hours of deliberations, with reports of more resignations to follow.

Meanwhile, Doughty resigned his post live on the BBC Daily Politics show, saying "lies" were being told by Corbyn's team and that resigning was the "honourable thing to do" after having been angered by McFadden's sacking.

Read more: Labour's electoral performance since Corbyn took over

For his part, Jones handed in his resignation over the issue of "the UK's nuclear deterrent". While he respects "those like [Corbyn] who advocate a unilateralist position", he does not agree with that view, he wrote to the Labour leader.

And it could get much worse, with bookmarker Betway now running odds on the next shadow cabinet minister to resign, with Hilary Benn favourite at 7/2, and Maria Eagle not far behind on 6/1.

Yesterday Corbyn sacked two of his most outspoken shadow cabinet members, Pat McFadden and Michael Dugher, which resulted in a chorus of criticism directed at Corbyn.

The criticism may be causing the least of Corbyn's upset, however, given the resignation of the shadow rail minister and his overwhelming love for everything locomotive.

2nd month running I'm mentioned on front page of Rail Magazine. Great read on way back from @EastMidsLabour #EMlab15 pic.twitter.com/nptoyz35K6

— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) October 24, 2015

Share this article

  • Facebook
  • X
  • LinkedIn
  • WhatsApp
  • Email

Similarly tagged content:

Sections

  • News

Categories

  • Business

Trending Articles

  • Which is the smelliest Tube line?

  • Take it from an AI founder, London is where it’s at

  • Xsolla Announces Multi-Year Strategic Partnership With the Good Game Club Podcast to Amplify Positive Stories From the Global Games Industry

  • Forecast rain sweet for Sugar and Kalpana

  • State ready to Star on the Knavesmire

More from Morning Wire

  • ‘Fantastic news’ as Burnham brings Britain’s AI minister into Cabinet

    Tech
    Kanishka Narayan, prominent figure in the news, engaging in a public event or discussion, showcasing leadership and influe...
  • On this day in 1940: Happy birthday Ken Clarke

    Opinion
    GettyImages 3261869 showcasing a significant moment in news, emphasizing key details relevant to the articles context.
  • Should Burnham dash for an early election?

    Opinion
    Andy Burnham, wearing a dark suit and glasses, speaks outdoors with trees in the background.
  • Jonathan Reynolds’ industrial strategy is straight out of the 60s

    Opinion
    Labour's Jonathan Reynolds unveiled the industrial strategy in June.
  • ‘Phenomenal waste of time’: Burnham slammed over plans to dismantle tech department

    Tech
    Andy Burnham speaking at a press conference, expressing confidence despite challenges, highlighting leadership and resilie...
  • ‘Pro-business’ Burnham eyes Reynolds return to top business job

    Business
    Jonathan Reynolds addressing the SMMT's annual International Automotive Summit (image courtesy of SMMT)
  • Lucy Rigby back as City minister

    Politics
    Lucy Rigby, a blonde woman in glasses and a red blazer, with a phone in her pocket, walking past a black gate.
  • Burnham premiership begins with decline in job postings

    Economics
    Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, in a professional setting.
MorningWire

Independent European business, markets and political news for decision-makers.

Morning Briefing

Europe

  • Germany
  • France
  • EU Institutions
  • Europe

Business

  • Markets
  • Business
  • Economy
  • Regulation
  • Competition
  • Public Affairs

Editorial

  • Opinion
  • Editorial Policy
  • Corrections
  • Contact

Company

  • About Morning Wire
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookie Policy
© 2026 Morning Wire Ltd · Published by Morning Wire Media, Bahnhofstrasse 65, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
Privacy · Terms · Cookies · Facebook