UK’s Patel and Dorries quit as incoming PM Truss takes over

UK’s Patel and Dorries quit as incoming PM Truss takes over

Priti Patel says she will stand down as Britain's home secretary.

Liz Truss will become Britain’s new prime minister after an audience with Queen Elizabeth II today. (AP pic)
LONDON:
Britain’s Priti Patel and Nadine Dorries both stepped down ahead of a Cabinet reshuffle yesterday as Liz Truss formally takes over as the country’s prime minister.

Patel said she will stand down as Britain’s home secretary, or interior minister.

A lawmaker belonging to the Conservative Party told Reuters that Suella Braverman, currently the government’s attorney-general, was likely to be promoted to Patel’s role.

Following Patel, culture minister Nadine Dorries stepped down, the Daily Mail reported late yesterday.

Truss had offered Dorries, who is a firm supporter of Truss, to stay in her post, the Daily Mail said.

Patel and Dorries resigned just hours after Truss was named the winner of a Conservative Party leadership contest to become the next prime minister. Truss will take office today.

“I congratulate Liz Truss on being elected our new Leader, and will give her my support as our new prime minister,” Patel said in her resignation letter to current Prime Minister Boris Johnson, which she posted on Twitter.

“It is my choice to continue my public service to the country and the Witham constituency from the backbenches, once Liz formally assumes office and a new home secretary is appointed,” she wrote.

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