Accused of bullying, senior minister in Rishi Sunak government resigns

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s senior minister, Gavin Williamson, tendered his resignation on Tuesday amid allegations of harassment.

Gavin Williamson, in his resignation, said he had apologized for the text messages and was cooperating with an investigation into that behavior. (Photo: AP)

By Associated Press: A senior member of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s government announced his resignation on Tuesday night after mounting allegations that he had bullied colleagues.

Gavin Williamson announced his resignation as Secretary of State without a wallet in a letter posted on Twitter, four days after the Times of London published forceful text messages he had sent to another MP.

Afterward, a senior official claimed that Williamson had constantly harassed them, telling the person to “slit your throat” one time and “jump out the window” the next.

WILLIAMSON apologizes

In his letter of resignation, Williamson said he had apologized for the text messages and was cooperating with an investigation into that behavior. But he rejected suggestions that the second incident involved bullying.

“I refute the characterization of these claims, but I recognize that they are becoming a distraction from the good work this government is doing for the British people,” Williamson wrote. “I have therefore decided to step back from the government so that I can fully comply with the complaints procedure that is underway and clear my name of any wrongdoing.”

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Williamson’s resignation comes amid criticism that Sunak has failed to deliver on his promise to make integrity a central focus of his administration. Opposition leaders have also called for the resignation of Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who reappointed Sunak just six days after her resignation for violating the rules on ministerial conduct.

NEW PM SUNAK

Sunak took office two weeks ago after his predecessor, Liz Truss, was forced to resign after her budget proposals sparked economic turmoil. Truss was prime minister just six weeks after she replaced Boris Johnson, who resigned after a string of scandals ranging from illegal parties during pandemic lockdowns to allegations of misuse of political donations.

Many observers were surprised when Sunak appointed Williamson to a position in his government, as he was twice forced to resign from previous cabinet posts. Williamson resigned as defense secretary in 2019 after a leak of classified information from the National Security Council. He lost his job as education secretary in 2021 after standardized exams were disrupted by the pandemic.

Sunak thanked Williamson for his “unwavering support” when he accepted the resignation.

“I support your decision to step back and understand why you did it,” the prime minister said in a letter to Williamson.

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