Please see my statement below regarding my position on the current circumstances:
"I was disappointed that Boris Johnson’s position became untenable as things developed last week. After discussions with colleagues, and keeping in mind the correspondence I have had with people in Meon Valley, I think he has made the right decision to step down. We have achieved a lot, but there are still many things we have to do to complete the work from our 2019 manifesto and we must be able to refocus on them.
I stayed on in my PPS role at the Department for Work and Pensions until Monday afternoon this week when I resigned. I felt it was important to stay on until the departmental questions on Monday. I worked for a wonderful secretary of state and I felt helping to ensure the department carried on its good work must come first. DWP is at the forefront of the government’s response to the cost-of-living crisis.
We should be proud of what the government has achieved so far. We have got Brexit done, weathered the pandemic, given international leadership to thwart Russian aggression and we have delivered on our manifesto.
It is disappointing the Prime Minister has had to go in these circumstances but it is right he has done so. I believe leaders should surround themselves with people who are better than them, recognising their weaknesses to deliver the best job possible. Looking ahead to the leadership election, I will be supporting the person who I believe can best do this.
I am pleased Boris Johnson resigned last week. The day before he resigned, I told the Chief Whip I had no confidence in the Prime Minister and I asked him to convey my view that he should resign."
