Another Tory Minister quits as Rishi Sunak suffers growing exodus ahead of election

Graham Stuart

Energy Minister Graham Stuart has become the latest Tory to step down from a Government role, adding to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s woes as a Tory exodus looms ahead of the general election.

After eight years on the frontbench, Graham Stuart announced his resignation from his Cabinet position. He pledged to “fully support” the Prime Minister from the backbenches.

This departure comes hot on the heels of two other ministers leaving their posts just two weeks prior. Skills Minister Robert Halfon made an unexpected exit, while Armed Forces Minister James Heappey stepped away from the Ministry of Defence.

The Conservative Party is bracing for significant changes, with over 60 MPs indicating they will not seek re-election, amidst predictions of a devastating defeat at the polls.

Mr Stuart, who held responsibilities as the Energy and Net Zero minister, also had tenures in the Foreign Office, the Department for International Trade, and served as an assistant whip in the Treasury. The Climate Minister faced recent backlash for his decision to fly a round trip of 6,824 miles from the COP28 conference in Dubai to participate in a vote on the Government’s Rwanda bill, reports the Mirror.

Mr Stuart has announced his departure from his ministerial position, citing a desire to concentrate on local matters such as road safety enhancements, broadband expansion, and an increase in available defibrillators across his Beverley and Holderness constituency. He also aims to tackle issues surrounding dental and healthcare access, collaborate with farmers on flood prevention, and push forward his Make Our Roads Safer initiative.

“I’m proud to have served in the Government for most of the past eight years, but now it’s time to focus on Beverley and Holderness,” he declared. “I’m proud to have achieved much over the past 18 years, from rock armour at Withernsea to saving East Riding Community Hospital, installing life-saving defibrillators in rural communities and slashing fares on the Humber Bridge.”

“I’m looking forward to working with communities to make our roads safer, helping the council take full advantage of the opportunities brought by devolution, pressing the case for York to Hull Rail and improving healthcare in Beverley and Holderness.”