Luke Charters, the Labour MP for York Outer, has resigned from his position as a Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) in the Department for Business and Trade.

The resignation was announced on 22nd May 2026 as the House of Commons rose for the Whitsun recess.

Luke Charters’ Resignation Statement

In a detailed post on X, Mr Charters said:

“As the Commons rises for recess, I have let colleagues know that I’ve chosen to step back as PPS in the Department for Business and Trade. It has been a genuine privilege to put Labour values into practice in this role.”

He went on to say that after reflection, the party needs to be:

  • Bolder with its ideas
  • More confident in its approach
  • Kinder to itself as “one Labour family”

Mr Charters highlighted his pride in helping deliver the landmark Employment Rights Act, including day-one paternity rights, and said he wants to focus on issues including strengthening parental rights, fixing student loans, and delivering for the North.

Background

  • Luke Charters was elected as MP for York Outer in the 2024 General Election.
  • He was appointed PPS to Business Secretary Peter Kyle in September 2025.
  • He is one of the youngest parents in Parliament and has positioned himself as a voice for bolder Labour policy, particularly on issues affecting young people and the North of England.

This resignation comes amid growing calls from some Labour backbenchers for the government to adopt a more confident and ambitious approach. Charters has recently been vocal in supporting greater boldness from the party.

He reassured constituents that he will continue fighting for them as their MP in York Outer.