DEVIZES MP Claire Perry this week explained why she felt it necessary to resign from her role as rail minister and asked not to be considered for a new frontbench role in Theresa May's government.

It was confirmed on Friday that Ms Perry had resigned from her post as the parliamentary under secretary for transport in the wake of the chaos on Southern rail.

This week she said: "I feel ultimately responsible for the chaos that has been unleashed on Southern rail customers over the last two years."

But she explained that this was not the only reason for her decision as she wants the freedom to speak up for constituents without being tied by a Government role. She said: "There is another reason too. In my six years of being your MP I have spent more than 80 per cent of the time on the Government 'payroll' – first as a Parliamentary Private Secretary to Philip Hammond in Defence, then as a Government Whip and latterly as Rail Minister.

"The term is misleading – there is no increase in salary for being a PPS – but in all of those roles I have been expected to support every aspect of government policy and vote with the Government at all times.

"As we enter a period of prolonged uncertainty for the country with many important decisions to be made, I want to have the freedom to debate crucial issues and speak up for my constituents without concerns over patronage and promotion.

"I am very much looking forward to this freedom, and to having more time to help those I serve in the Devizes constituency."

Ms Perry was an advisor to George Osborne before becoming MP for Devizes in 2010. She was appointed Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Transport on July 15, 2014 and again in May 2015.

Steve Smith from Bedwyn Train Passenger Group said he was pleased that she would now be free to fight harder to stop the axing of Bedwyn's direct service to Paddington.

He said: "I am a little sad as I don't see the problems on Southern as her fault. Instead it's the unions protecting their members' jobs instead of moving with the times.

"In terms of the Bedwyn Trains Passenger Group, Claire is now free to pick up the post electrification issue of axing Bedwyn's direct service to Paddington. Whilst a rail minister she had a conflict of interest."