Guildford MP quits as Government aide over handling of 'partygate' row
Last updated 1st Feb 2022
The MP for Guildford has announced she has quit her role as a ministerial aide sharing her 'deep disappointment' of how the 'partygate' row has been handled.
Angela Richardson issued a statement on Monday night (31 January) following the publication of Sue Gray's report into gatherings at Downing Street.
Richardson said in a statement on Facebook she resigned from her role as parliamentary private secretary to Michael Gove last week:
“Sue Gray’s report published today clearly states that there were failings at Number Ten Downing Street that let us all down.
“I share the deep disappointment that it has taken so long to get to this stage when there could have been an early acknowledgement and apology.
"It also seems as though there are further questions to which we do not yet have the answer because of the Metropolitan Police investigation.
"I echo my colleagues who called on Number Ten, when appropriate, to release in full the details of events considered by Sue Gray but not currently included in her report. Only that way – with full disclosure – can the process of rebuilding trust begin.
Last week, I stepped back from my governmental responsibilities to invest more of my time realising the campaigns that I am working on for the people of Guildford, Cranleigh and our villages.
In so doing, I will have more freedom to fulfil my promise to you as I hold the government to account, as a critical friend, on the issues that matter most to the people of Guildford."