This is the Prime Minister’s response.
Dear Dominic,
Thank you for your letter informing me of your decision to resign from His Majesty’s Government as Deputy Prime Minister, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice. It is with great sadness that I accept your resignation.
Last October, as Prime Minister, I promised that the government I lead would be honest, professional and accountable at all levels. The Ministerial Act requires ministers to hold themselves to a higher standard.
Following formal complaints about your conduct in various ministerial positions last year, I appointed an independent investigator to conduct a full investigation into the specifics surrounding those complaints at your request. I have consulted with independent counsel on ministerial matters after carefully examining the results of the report submitted by Adam Tolley K.
As I said, I promised to legally resign if the report showed bullying. You kept your word. But it is clear that there were mistakes that negatively affected everyone involved in the historical process. We should learn from this how to better deal with such problems in the future.
However, his resignation should not make us forget his contribution to this government or previous governments. These achievements should make you proud.
Most recently, as Justice Minister and Lord Chancellor, he has put victims’ rights at the heart of our criminal justice system, introducing landmark Victims and Prisoners legislation, increasing sentences for violent offenders, reforming the probation system and implementing the Big Act. Legal prison construction program in this country for more than a hundred years
As Secretary of State, you were a key driving force in the design and implementation of the 2021 Integrated Review of the Indo-Pacific Encyclical. I am aware of your personal efforts to establish a new and independent sanctions regime in the UK and our response to the erosion of human rights and democracy in Hong Kong.
During the Covid crisis, she intervened when the then Prime Minister was hospitalized. You have shown the country – and your colleagues in the Cabinet – faith and leadership at a time of great national concern. As chancellor at the time, I was impressed by the camaraderie with which this very difficult task was approached.
I am forever grateful for your unwavering personal support from the day you first introduced me to the last day of the Conservative Party leadership race last year. His dedication, hard work and integrity in his role as Deputy Prime Minister demonstrated his belief in public service.
I look forward to your support as you continue to passionately represent the members of Esher and Walton. Thank you for your service to these former governments and I wish you and your family all the best for the future.
best regards,
Rishi Sunak
