Colchester's Will Quince returns to government - 48 hours after quitting

The Colchester MP is back to work in the Education department... just hours after walking out over Boris Johnson's leadership

Will Quince is back in post as Boris Johnson rebuilds his administration
Author: Matt SoanesPublished 8th Jul 2022

Colchester MP Will Quince, who resigned as a junior minister in protest after he repeated false assurances about Boris Johnson's handling of the appointment of Chris Pincher, is returning to the Government.

Mr Quince is made a middle-ranking Education Minister in the latest round of ministerial appointments, Downing Street has said, as Mr Johnson rebuilds his administration.

Johnny Mercer, another past critic of the Prime Minister, becomes Minister for Veterans' Affairs in the Cabinet Office and will attend Cabinet.

Graham Stuart becomes a Foreign Office Minister, Stephen McPartland is Security Minister at the Home Office, Marcus Jones is a minister at the Department for Levelling Up, and Edward Timpson is the new Solicitor General.

Braintree's MP James Cleverly has become the third Education Secretary in three days.

In a statement on social media, Mr Quince wrote: "In my letter on Wednesday I set out how hard it was stepping away from a job that I love, working every day to improve the life chances of children and young people."

"Pending the appointment of a new PM in the coming weeks, I have been asked and agreed to serve in HM Government.

"I care passionately about the work of the Department for Education. At this crucial time for our country, I believe it is my duty to use my experience to assist the new Secretary of State James Cleverly to deliver on our vital work for our nation's children."

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