Nadine Dorries: has Culture Secretary resigned after Liz Truss win? Who else has quit - including Priti Patel

Nadine Dorries will follow in Priti Patel’s footsteps in returning to the backbenches after Liz Truss was announced as the winner in the Tory leadership race
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Nadine Dorries announced that she will be standing down as Culture Secretary, following outgoing Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s departure from Downing Street.

The news comes shortly after Liz Truss was announced the winner of the Tory leadership race against Rishi Sunak.

This is everything you need to know.

Why is Nadine Dorries stepping down?

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A source close to Dorries, who was a prominent supporter of Truss during the leadership election, reportedly told the Mail Plus that she believed it was the right time for her to go.

They said: “Nadine has agonised over this as she is 100% supportive of Liz. But she has decided now is the right time to leave the Cabinet.”

Nadine Dorries arrives for a Cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street on July 12, 2022 in London, England (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)Nadine Dorries arrives for a Cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street on July 12, 2022 in London, England (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)
Nadine Dorries arrives for a Cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street on July 12, 2022 in London, England (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)

It’s understood that Dorries had been given the opportunity to continue within the Cabinet ahead of Truss’s appointment as Prime Minister, but instead chose to return to the backbenches.

It is expected that she will now be given a peerage in Johnson’s resignation honours list, triggering a by-election in her Mid Bedfordshire constituency.

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Dorries was appointed Culture Secretary in September last year, having previously served as Health Minister.

What did she write on Twitter?

Dorries shared her resignation letter in full on Twitter, writing that she was “humbled” that Truss “extended her confidence in me by asking me to remain as Secretary of State for DCMS”.

She added: “I will always show her the same loyalty and support I have to @BorisJohnson. Onwards!”

In her resignation letter to Johnson, Dorries wrote: “After much reflection, I am writing to you to resign as Secretary for State of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport at the point at which you successor us appointed.

“I have personally assured out soon-to-be Prime Minister

Who will be the new Culture Secretary?

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It has been officially announced that Michelle Donelan will replace Dorries as Culture Secretary.

Truss unveiled her new cabinet after meeting with the Queen at Balmoral and formally taking on the role of Prime Minister.

Michelle Donelan speaks during a rally to mark the start of the general election campaign at Corsham School in Wiltshire on March 30, 2015 in Corsham, England.  (Photo by Leon Neal - WPA Pool/Getty Images)Michelle Donelan speaks during a rally to mark the start of the general election campaign at Corsham School in Wiltshire on March 30, 2015 in Corsham, England.  (Photo by Leon Neal - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Michelle Donelan speaks during a rally to mark the start of the general election campaign at Corsham School in Wiltshire on March 30, 2015 in Corsham, England. (Photo by Leon Neal - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Donelan has been an MP since 2015 and was an Education Minister before being appointed as Education Secretary by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson amid the wave of resignations that hit the Government back in July.

She resigned from the post two days later, making her the shortest serving cabinet member in UK history.

Who else resigned?

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News of Dorries’ resignation came shortly after Priti Patel announced that she would be leaving her role as Home Secretary.

Patel shared her resignation letter to Johnson on Twitter, writing: “It has been the honour of my life to serve as Home Secretary for the last three years.

“I am proud of our work to back the police, reform our immigration system and protect our country.”

In her resignation letter, Patel said: “I congratulate Liz Truss on being elected our new Leader, and will give her any support as our new Prime Minister.

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“It is my choice to continue my public service to the country and the Witham constituency from the backbenches, once Liz formally assumes office and a new Home Secretary is appointed.

“From the backbenches, I will champion many of the policies and causes I have stood up for both inside and outside of Government.”

Priti Patel looks on during a visit with members of the Thames Valley Police, at Milton Keynes Police Station on August 31, 2022 in Milton Keynes, England (Photo by Andrew Boyers - WPA Pool/Getty Images)Priti Patel looks on during a visit with members of the Thames Valley Police, at Milton Keynes Police Station on August 31, 2022 in Milton Keynes, England (Photo by Andrew Boyers - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Priti Patel looks on during a visit with members of the Thames Valley Police, at Milton Keynes Police Station on August 31, 2022 in Milton Keynes, England (Photo by Andrew Boyers - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Cabinet Office minister Nigel Adams and Tory party co-chair Ben Elliot also announced their resignations as well.

Refugees Minister Richard Harrington also quit over the weekend, prior to Truss’ appointment as Prime Minister.

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