An MP says he will not stand down in response to a petition saying he did not represent his constituents' views on Brexit.

Almost 2,000 people have signed a petition on the 38 degrees website calling for St Albans MP Anne Main and Harpenden and Hitchin MP Peter Lilley to stand down.

Results show that 63 per cent of St Albans residents voted to Remain in the European Union election on June 23 - while both MPs supported the Leave campaign.

Campaigners say both politicians are ‘out of touch’ with their constituency.

In the ‘reasons for signing’ section, one voter wrote: “Anne Main and Peter Lilley hold polar opposite views on the EU to voters in St Albans and Harpenden, they cannot continue to offer credible representation.”

Another voter said: “Peter Lilley, your constituents believe the best future for the UK is within the EU. You should resign.”

The petition adds: “Having lost the support of local electorates on this key issue, they can no longer credibly hold this office.”

In response to the views of the campaigners, Peter Lilley told the St Albans Review: “In the referendum, everyone’s vote counted alike. Parliament voted overwhelmingly to have a referendum on Britain’s EU membership on the clear understanding that, whatever the outcome, Parliament would implement it.”

Lilley, who campaigned for Brexit, said he wanted the UK to take back control of its laws, money and borders. The 38 Degrees website says that both politicians campaigned ‘tirelessly’ to leave the EU through social media, local new papers and countless street appearances.

Lilley added: “I know that my constituents did not vote to leave the EU, but our greatest Parliamentarian, Edmund Burke, famously explained that a Member of Parliament should be a representative of his constituency, rather than a delegate. In my judgement, the best future for the UK lies outside of the EU, though co-operating with our European neighbours.”

Anne Main MP has declined to comment.