The cabinet minister said it had become a “distraction” for the government as it faced two official inquiries. Williamson’s departure – the third time he has left government in three years – will raise questions about Sunak’s decision to appoint him in the first place. Sunak, who had repeatedly said he had “full confidence” in Williamson, said last night he had accepted his resignation “with great regret”. Labor said Mr Sunack had shown “poor judgment and weak leadership”, a charge Sir Keir Starmer, the opposition leader, will repeat in the prime ministership.
