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.

More from this theme

Politics

Ark stands by chair Sir Paul Marshall over social media activity

The Conservative donor has been accused of liking and sharing extremist posts

Freddie Whittaker
Politics

Phillipson invokes zeal of Gove reforms in Labour schools vision

Former minister brought 'energy and drive and determination' that is required again, says shadow education secretary

Samantha Booth
Politics

Government ‘not governing’ as schools policies in limbo

Schools Week analysis finds at least 21 policies promised for this year have yet to materialise

Samantha Booth
Politics

Hinds: ‘I was wrong’ on teacher golden handcuffs

Schools minister also reveals changes to the early career framework and more details on non-grad teaching apprenticeship

Freddie Whittaker
Politics

Damian Hinds returns to DfE as schools minister

Appointment follows resignation of schools minister Nick Gibb

Freddie Whittaker
Politics

Nick Gibb: Schools minister’s resignation letter – in full

'My passion for ensuring that every child gets the best possible education will remain with me until my dying...

Freddie Whittaker

Your thoughts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.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