UK science minister George Freeman has announced his resignation, saying it was time “to focus on my health, family well-being and life beyond the front bench”, as prime minister Rishi Sunak conducts a Cabinet reshuffle.
In a letter to Mr Sunak, Mr Freeman says he had informed the chief whip of his decision to step down “with a heavy heart” as long ago as September.
“After 13 years championing science and technology and the importance of an active industrial strategy for innovation, in five ministerial roles under four prime ministers, I’m sure you will understand that this has not been an easy decision to make, but it is clear to me that the time has come for me to focus on my health, family well-being and life beyond the front bench,” Mr Freeman writes.
It is the second time that Mr Freeman has resigned from the post. He was first appointed by Boris Johnson in September 2021 but resigned in the chaotic dying days of that administration just eight months later. He was reappointed by Mr Sunak in October 2022.
