Sir Gavin Williamson resigns from government following bullying claims
Sir Gavin Williamson has resigned from Government following accusations of bullying, saying the allegations against him were "becoming a distraction".
The defence secretary allegedly told a senior civil servant to "slit your throat" in remarks made in front of colleagues at a meeting, and on another occasion told them to "jump out of the window".
The minister has said he "strongly" rejects the allegations but has now confirmed his resignation to Rishi Sunak.In his resignation letter, Sir Gavin Williamson told the Prime Minister: "As you know, there is an ongoing complaints process concerning text messages I sent to a colleague."I am complying with this process and I have apologised to the recipient for those messages. "Since then, there have been other allegations made about my past conduct.
I refute the characterisation of these claims, but I recognise these are becoming a distraction for the good work this government is doing for the British people. "I have therefore decided to step back from government so that I can comply fully with the complaints process that is underway and clear my name of any wrongdoing. "Williamson is also under investigation for allegedly bullying former chief whip Wendy Morton. To sign up to the Daily Record Politics newsletter, click here. Keir Starmer says Labour will oppose independence referendum even if Supreme Court approves another vote Risk fear in rollout of 1,140 childcare hours for Scots parents
