Gavin Williamson, a senior minister and near partner of UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, resigned following claims of bullying, ensuing withinside the first resignation on the latter’s Cabinet. The textual content messages Williamsonsent to a coworker are the challenge of an ongoing court cases procedure. While he expressed his remorse to the recipient for the ones texts, he become following this procedure, Williamson stated in his resignation letter.
“There had been different allegations made approximately my beyond conduct. I refute the characterisation of those claims, however I realize those are getting a distraction for the coolest paintings this authorities is doing,” he added.
When Williamson become the defence secretary beneathneath the preceding high minister Theresa May, he intimidated a senior civil employee withinside the Ministry of Defence and requested them to “slit” their throat, media reviews suggest. Williamson become already beneathneath hearthplace for a unique accusation of bullying made with the aid of using a unique Conservative MP.
On November 8, Anne Milton – Williamson’s former deputy whilst he served as leader whip, stated in an interview with Channel four News that his behaviour whilst in workplace become “threatening” and “intimidating,” and that he might use MPs’ fitness troubles as “leverage”.
She recalled one example whilst he requested her to provide a test to a member of parliament who required monetary aid. “And he waved it beneathneath my nostril and stated, ‘Make certain while you deliver him this cheque, he is aware of I now personal him’,” she stated. “I don’t assume it become a joke. It become the seriousness with which he stated it.”
“It is with incredible unhappiness that I be given your resignation. I understand your dedication to successive Conservative governments and the birthday birthday celebration through the years has been unwavering,” Sunak wrote whilst accepting Williamson’s resignation. He additionally thanked the senior minister for his “non-public aid and loyalty”. “I understand you may maintain to symbolize your parts with diligence and care,” he added.