A top Tory has resigned from the Cabinet over claims he lied about his knowledge of a former aide who was accused of deliberately collapsing a rape trial.
Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns quit hours after a leaked e-mail claimed he was informed of a row involving Ross England in August 2018 – despite saying he didn’t know until last week.
In a letter to Boris Johnson today, Mr Cairns said he had quit in “light of continued speculation” about the “very sensitive matter”.
He revealed there will be an investigation into whether he breached the Ministerial Code but insisted: “I am confident I will be cleared of any breach or wrong doing.”
It came after he was accused of lying about his knowledge of an allegation that a Conservative candidate had sabotaged a rape trial.
(Image: Leon Neal)
The Cabinet minister claims he had been unaware of former staff member Ross England’s role in the collapsed trial until after the story broke last week.
BBC Wales said it had obtained a leaked email sent to Mr Cairns which showed he had been made aware of the allegations as early as August last year.
The email, dated August 2 2018, was sent to Mr Cairns by Geraint Evans, his special adviser, and was also copied to Richard Minshull, director of the Welsh Conservatives.
It said: “I have spoken to Ross and he is confident no action will be taken by the court.”
Four months later Mr England was selected as the Welsh Conservatives’ candidate for the Vale of Glamorgan for the 2021 Welsh Assembly election.
Alun Cairns resignation letter in full
(Image: Chris J Ratcliffe)
Dear Prime Minister
You will be aware of allegations relating to the actions of a Party employee and candidate for the Welsh Assembly elections in the Vale of Glamorgan.
This is a very sensitive matter, and in light of continued speculation, I write to tender my resignation as Secretary of State for Wales.
I will cooperate in full with the investigation under the Ministerial Code which will now take place and I am confident I will be cleared of any breach or wrong doing.
It has been an honour to serve in your Government and a privilege to see the positive steps you have made in such a short time. Your work to secure a deal to leave the European Union has been extraordinary and the opportunities it brings are exciting for all parts of the country. I thank you for your commitment to the Union and the way in which you have made it central to all areas of government policy.
My experience of seeing your work first hand with Cabinet colleagues gives me confidence for the future. Your vision and drive to move the country forward to meet the opportunities of Brexit and to protect and enhance public services is exemplary.
I will continue to work to support your vision and ambitions for the country and am grateful for the honour of serving in your Cabinet.
Rt Hon Alun Cairns MP Secretary of State for Wales Ysgrifennydd Gwladol Cymru
Boris Johnson’s reply to Alun Cairns in full
Thank you for your letter resigning as Secretary of State of Wales. I am pleased to hear that you will cooperate fully with the Cabinet Office during this process.
I am extremely grateful for all the work you have done in the role as Secretary of State since March 2016. In particular, I would like to put on record my gratitude for all the support you have given to this Government in ensuring we honour the commitment to the people that we leave the European Union. Given your long service as Secretary of State, you can be proud of your record of delivery for the people of Wales, in particular in ensuring the abolition of tolls on the Severn bridges.
This follows an unstinting record of service to the Party in Wales with over a decade as Assembly Member for South Wales West where you were a vocal critic of the Welsh Labour government.
This breaking news story is being updated.
