LONDON: In her resignation letter to Boris Johnson, Priti Patel says “it has been the honour of my life to serve our country as home secretary for the last three years and to deliver on our commitments to back and reform our police, stand up for the hard-working law-abiding majority, reform our immigration and asylum system, and fight terrorism”.
“Your support over this period has delivered an unparalleled package of reforms and investment.”
Speaking about policies on migration and slavery, including the Rwanda asylum scheme, Patel said: “As we know, there is no single solution to this huge challenge and the Government must tackle the full spectrum of issues to halt the illegal entry of migrants to the UK.”
“I congratulate Liz Truss on being elected our new leader, and will give her my support as our new prime minister.”
She continues: “It is my choice to continue my public service to the country and the Witham constituency from the backbenchers, once Liz formally assumes office and a new home secretary is appointed.”
“From the backbenches, I will champion many of the policies I have stood up for both inside and outside government.”
Priti Patel said she will step down as home secretary when Liz Truss becomes prime minister on Tuesday. In a letter to the outgoing PM Boris Johnson, Ms Patel said she would give Ms Truss her support from the backbenches.
She said being home secretary had been “the honour of my life”. Ms Patel – who has served as home secretary since 2019 – insisted leaving government was “her choice”.
She also said it was “vital” that Ms Truss backed “all aspects” of the policies she had put in place on illegal migration.
Writing to Mr Johnson, the Witham MP said “Britain had always been a beacon for freedom and democracy and I have been proud to work with you over the last three years to make that light shine brighter.
“All this has been achieved despite the relentless efforts of our political opponents and left-wing activists, lawyers and campaigners.”
Ms Patel’s departure comes amid reports that Ms Truss is planning to appoint current Attorney General Suella Braverman as home secretary.