Politics

Children’s minister Will Quince resigns ‘from job I love’

Quince says standing down 'pains me greatly' but had 'no choice' after being misled by Number 10

Quince says standing down 'pains me greatly' but had 'no choice' after being misled by Number 10

The children’s minister Will Quince has become the latest Conservative MP to resign from his government role.

Quince tweeted this morning it was with “great sadness and regret that I feel that I have no choice” but to resign.

He had “accepted and repeated … assurances in good faith” that the prime minister Boris Johnson was unaware of allegations relating to Chris Pincher before appointing him as deputy whip.

Former foreign office permanent secretary Simon McDonald later published a letter making clear Johnson knew about a previous investigation into Pincher, who quit last week over allegations of groping.

Quince, who oversaw the long-delayed SEND green paper launch in March, said it had been an “honour” to serve in government. But added: “Reaching this decision has not been easy.

“Stepping away from a job I love, where we are working every day to improve the life chances of vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people up and down our country, pains me greatly.

“I will miss it hugely but pledge to do all I can to continue this important work from the backbenches.”

It follows Michelle Donelan becoming the third education secretary in just ten months, replacing Nadhim Zahawi who was promoted to chancellor following a wave of resignations over Johnson’s leadership.

Latest education roles from

Chief Education Officer (Deputy CEO)

Chief Education Officer (Deputy CEO)

Romero Catholic Academy Trust

Director of Academy Finance and Operations

Director of Academy Finance and Operations

Ormiston Academies Trust

Principal & Chief Executive

Principal & Chief Executive

Truro & Penwith College

Group Director of Marketing, Communications & External Engagement

Group Director of Marketing, Communications & External Engagement

London & South East Education Group

Sponsored posts

Sponsored post

AI Safety: From DfE Guidance to Classroom Confidence

Darren Coxon, edtech consultant and AI education specialist, working with The National College, explores the DfE’s expectations for AI...

SWAdvertorial
Sponsored post

How accurate spend information is helping schools identify savings

One the biggest issues schools face when it comes to saving money on everyday purchases is a lack of...

SWAdvertorial
Sponsored post

Building Character, Increasing Engagement and Growing Leaders: A Whole School Approach

Research increasingly shows that character education is just as important as academic achievement in shaping pupils’ long-term success. Studies...

SWAdvertorial
Sponsored post

Educators launch national AI framework to guide schools and colleges

More than 250 schools and colleges across the UK have already enrolled in AiEd Certified, a new certification framework...

SWAdvertorial

More from this theme

Politics

Labour conference 2025: Bridget Phillipson’s full speech

The education secretary addressed the party's annual conference in Liverpool

Freddie Whittaker
Politics

Labour-linked education group backs Lucy Powell for deputy leader

Backing for rival from Socialist Educational Association is a blow to education secretary Bridget Phillipson

Freddie Whittaker
Politics

Children’s minister gets beefed-up schools brief as portfolios revealed

Government has confirmed which policies new ministers will be in charge of. Here's your Schools Week guide ...

John Dickens
Politics

McKinnell: ‘I got up every day and gave it everything’

The former schools minister speaks to Schools Week after a brutal reshuffle

Freddie Whittaker

Your thoughts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *