Adrian Bailey warns PM over his election strategy as he bids farewell to Parliament
Boris Johnson has been warned that his pro-Brexit election strategy may not reap dividends in Labour Leave areas.
Adrian Bailey delivered the parting shot to the PM as he stood down from Parliament, having represented Leave-backing West Bromwich West seat for 19 years.
The 73-year-old Europhile says the strong support he received from constituents despite his anti-Brexit stance should serve as a "salutary warning" to the Tories in the election campaign.
The Conservatives have targeted a number of West Midlands seats which saw Leave majorities in the EU referendum, including West Bromwich West, where nearly 70 per cent backed Brexit.
Describing himself as "a strong pro-Europe Remainer", Mr Bailey said the continued backing he had received from his constituents showed that voters were not guaranteed to desert Labour's Remain backing candidates next month.
He said: "My constituency voted 70 per cent for Brexit, but their undiminished support for me is both a reflection of the broadness of the views they have on many things – and perhaps a salutary warning to the Prime Minister on his election strategy."
Delivering his farewell speech in the House of Commons, Mr Bailey said he had an "undiminished" enthusiasm for politics, but said his "birth certificate" had told him it was time to go.
