Mid Norfolk MP George Freeman quits role as science minister amid reshuffle
He says he's stepping aside to focus on his "health, family wellbeing and life beyond the front bench."
Last updated 13th Nov 2023
Mid Norfolk MP George Freeman has decided to step down from his junior ministerial role as part of Rishi Sunak's reshuffle.
The 56 year old had served as Minister for Science, Research and Innovation across two stints from September 2021.
He's also held a role in the Department for Transport and has served as the Mid Norfolk MP since 2010.
In a letter setting out his reasons for departing, he revealed he'd already agreed to step down from his role at the next Cabinet reshuffle.
Mr Freeman wrote: "I have with a heavy heart decided to step aside from Government and stand down as UK Minister of State for Science, Technology & Innovation.
"After 13 years championing science & technology & the importance of an active industrial strategy for innovation, in five Ministerial roles under four Prime Ministers, I'm sure you will understand that this has not been an easy decision to make, but it is clear to me that the time has come for me to focus on my health, family wellbeing and life beyond the front bench."
"It has been an honour and privilege to have been able to bring my professional career expertise in bioscience and technology venture financing to a number of frontline science and technology roles in Government, and to help you and successive Prime Ministers put S+T at the heart of our country's economic and geopolitical missions....."
"...I deeply believe that supporting and harnessing innovation is the only way to the more productive, sustainable, prosperous and resilient economy and country we so urgently need."
His departure is the just part of a broader reshuffle which has seen former Prime Minister David Cameron return to the frontbench as Foreign Secretary, with Suffolk Coastal MP Therese Coffey quitting as Environment Secretary.