Will Quince resigns from children and families minister role
By Rachel Lawler
Will Quince has resigned from his role as children and families minister.
Writing on Twitter, he said: 鈥淲ith great sadness and regret, I have this morning tendered my resignation to the Prime Minister after I accepted and repeated assurances on Monday to the media which have now been found to be inaccurate. I wish my successor well 鈥 it is the best job in government.鈥
Quince鈥檚 resignation follows Chancellor Rishi Sunak and health secretary Sajid Javid who both resigned from their roles on Tuesday evening, following controversy surrounding the conduct of former Conservative MP and deputy chief whip Chris Pincher who resigned earlier this week.
The upheaval has also seen secretary of state for Education Nadhim Zahawi leave his role as he moves into the Treasury to replace Sunak.
Schools minister Robin Walker has also the cabinet, writing on Twitter: "It has been a privilege to work to support our brilliant schools".
Zahawi has been replaced by Michelle Donelan who previously served as minister of state for universities.
Neil Leitch, CEO of the Early Years Alliance, commented: "While we of course understand and respect the reasons for Mr Quince鈥檚 resignation, it is incredibly concerning to have lost the children and families minister mere days after the launch of a key consultation into early years ratios, especially in light of the simultaneous change to the role of education secretary.
"Over recent years, the early years has seen a seemingly endless stream of ministers come and go, leaving us with a patchwork of disjointed policies and no long-term vision for our vital sector. If we are to have any chance of building a quality, affordable, sustainable early education and care system in this country, we need consistent, stable leadership and a clear strategy to get us to that point. Sadly, as it stands, this seems a very unlikely ambition."