The Greater Manchester MP Josh Simons has resigned from the Cabinet over allegations that he had hired lobbyists to investigate the personal, political and religious background of a Sunday Times journalist.
In a statement the MP said
The Independent Advisor on Ministerial Standards has cleared me of breaching the ministerial code.
But with regret, remaining in office has become a distraction, so I have resigned from government.
I will continue serving the people I’m proud to represent in Makerfield and pushing for the radical change our politics and country needs
