​Tracey Crouch walks away over delays in gambling reform

The UK Tory government’s charities minister has quit – after a row over fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs).

Tracey Crouch resigned in protest at the government's decision to delay changes to gambling rules.

She had held the charities portfolio since becoming minister for sport and civil society in June.

The MP walked when, in the budget, the government announced a six-month delay in the implementation of changes to the FOBT market.

FOBTs have been called the crack cocaine of gambling and there have been widespread calls for a crackdown.

The delayed changes would reduce the stakes at the machines from £100 to £2.

In her resignation letter, Crouch says £1.6 billion would be lost by people gambling on FOBTs between now and the implementation of the changes in October next year.

Crouch tweeted: “It is with great sadness I have resigned from one of the best jobs in Government. Thank you so much for all the very kind messages of support I have received throughout the day. Politicians come and go but principles stay with us forever.”

She was backed by political foes, as Labour’s David Lammy tweeted: “The campaign to reduce the stake on FOBTs has taken many years to realise. I know because I was there from the very beginning how much you have pushed for this from behind the scenes. You can hold your head high. Well done for putting principle ahead of ambition.”

Prime Minister Theresa May said she was disappointed to receive Crouch's resignation letter.