‘A few’ have resigned over gay marriage vote, Newbury MP admits

And he conceded that there have been resignations from the West Berkshire Conservative Party as a result.
But he insisted that the percentage of defectors was relatively small and that the Conservative party was a “broad church” that would reunite over issues such as immigration and the economy.
Mr Benyon was responding to national headlines claiming grassroots party membership is in uproar over such divisive issues.
He said: “For example, I know that quite a few people disagreed with the way I voted [in favour] on gay marriage but I hope they feel that, in the main, I stand for the Conservative values that brought them into the party.”
Mr Benyon acknowledged “a few resignations” from the West Berkshire party over the issue but added: “To say it was a haemorrhage would be completely untrue.
"The party is a broad church - always has been and always will be. There will be some who believe we should stay part of the European Union and others who disagree.
“But it’s core issues such as education, reducing crime and immigration and being able to pay the mortgage that matter to them and we’re doing good things on these.
He added: “I keep in close touch with the grass roots who got me elected and worked hard for me. I’m not complacent and I would never take them for granted. I’m working hard to ensure they understand what we’re trying to do as a party.
“I think that the next two years will see us concentrating resolutely on a clear agenda for a Conservative government at the next election.”
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