MP for Finchley and Golders Green has announced his resignation, saying the Conservatives have “let down” his constituents and supporters.

The move follows a string of MPs resigning leaving the Prime Minister facing an increasing number of calls to step down.

In a letter to Boris Johnson, MP Mike Freer who is also a minister for exports and equalities cited “an atmosphere of hostility for LGBT+ people” as one reason for stepping down.

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In the letter, he said: “I have been grateful for the opportunity to create focus in exploiting our new exports markets and in working to try and improve the lives of LGBT+ people in the UK.

“I would also like to thank you for your personal support on many local issues since your days as Mayor of London but, also more personally in your support with my recent security issues.

“However, I feel that we are moving away from the One Nation Conservative party joined, not least in creating an atmosphere of hostility for LGBT+ people and I regret can no longer defend policies I fundamentally disagree with.”

He added: “Since my election in 2010, I have striven to work to represent my constituents with the support of my local party and members. I now feel that we have let down our constituents and our supporters.

“Representing Finchley & Golders Green, I have to ask myself what Mrs Thatcher would have done. I have decided I must prioritise the diverse constituency of Finchley & Golders Green, One Nation conservatism, as well as my passion for equalities.”

The raft of resignations were triggered when the now former health secretary Sajid Javid announced his resignation last night, followed soon afterwards by chancellor Rishi Sunak.

Their resignations came as Mr Johnson was forced into an apology over his handling of the Chris Pincher row after it emerged he had forgotten about being told of previous allegations of “inappropriate” conduct.

Mr Pincher quit as deputy chief whip last week following claims that he groped two men at a private members’ club, but Mr Johnson was told about allegations against him as far back as 2019.

A third incident is now being examined by Parliament’s Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme.