SWINDON-born Labour MP Heidi Alexander has thrown in the towel and resigned after losing faith in Jeremy Corbyn following the EU referendum, she announced today.

The 41-year-old former Walcot resident and ex-Churchfields pupil, now MP for Lewisham East, sensationally quit her role as Shadow Secretary of State for Health causing eight other Labour MPs to follow suit, with more expected to do the same in the coming days.

It comes less than a year since she told the Adver she was delighted to form part of new the Labour leader’s first cabinet.

At the time she said: “It came as quite a surprise, it’s very exciting and if I’m honest slightly daunting.”

However, the shock news comes days after the country voted to leave the EU on Thursday, something that has divided the nation.

In a letter which she posted on social media to the Labour leader she said: “It is with a heavy heart that I am writing to you to resign from the Shadow Cabinet.

“The result of the referendum last week means that our country is facing unprecedented challenges.

“Those who will be hit hardest by the economic shock associated with the vote to leave the EU need a strong opposition, as do those communities who fear rising levels of intolerance, hatred and division.

“More than ever, our country needs an effective opposition which can hold the Government to account and which is capable of developing a credible and inspiring alternative to an increasingly right-wing and backward looking Conservative Party.”

And she added: “As much as I respect you as a man of principle, I do not believe you have the capacity to shape the answers our country is demanding and I believe that if we are to form the next Government, a change of leadership is essential.

“I would like to thank you for the opportunity to serve in the Shadow Cabinet.”

Shadow treasury secretary Seema Malhotra, shadow environment secretary Kerry McCarthy and shadow transport minister Lilian Greenwood were among the others to resign.

Some are believed to be citing the sacking of Hilary Benn, shadow foreign secretary, who was given the boot by Corbyn for reportedly planning to urge him to stand down as many in the party have a vote of no confidence for him.