BURNHAM’s MP Tessa Munt has resigned as a parliamentary aide to Business Secretary Vince Cable after voting against the government on fracking.

Ms Munt said that “it was with regret” that she handed in her notice after supporting calls for a moratorium, or freeze, on fracking.

As a parliamentary aid Ms Munt was required to support Government policy and in failing to do so was forced to quit.

Following her resignation the MP for Wells said: “I am unwilling to compromise and cannot change my opposition to fracking.

“I will continue to campaign vocally against fracking and as result it is clear that my views cannot be reconciled with the Government on this matter.

“This evening I tendered my resignation as PPS to Vince.

“I will continue to defend and represent this beautiful part of Somerset, its residents, businesses with all the enthusiasm and energy that I have had since May 2010 when I became the Member.

“My campaign to stop fracking in Somerset continues.”

Ms Munt had initially said she would continue in her role, despite breaching ministerial collective responsibility however, a spokesperson for Vince Cable confirmed she had left the post last night (Tuesday).

In a statement Vince Cable said: “I am sad to see Tessa step down in her role as my Parliamentary Private Secretary.

“Tessa is a wonderful colleague. She has been incredibly hard working and has fully supported our efforts within the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills to create new jobs and apprenticeships.

“I know standing down has been a hard decision for her but Liberal Democrat MPs are local champions and her priority is to the people of Wells.

“She has strong views on fracking which means she could not support the Government position in this case.”