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Damian Green resigns from the cabinet

21 December 2017

By Lauren E. White

First Secretary of State Damian Green has resigned from the Cabinet following allegations he made unwanted sexual advances towards writer Kate Maltby and had thousands of pornographic materials on his computer.

Green, who was effectively the Deputy Prime Minister, was asked to resign by Prime Minister Theresa May last night after Sir Alex Allen, the Independent Adviser on Ministers’ Interests, found that Green’s conduct fell short of the ministerial code. In his resignation letter, the former Work and Pensions Secretary admitted lying about downloading pornography on his House of Commons computer – an allegation that came from a former police chief following a raid on his office in 2008. Mr Green apologised for making the “misleading” statements.

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Writer and critic Kate Maltby

As well as addressing allegations of pornography, including “extreme” pornography, on his computer, Green addressed Tory activist Kate Maltby’s allegations that the close ally of the PM said he felt “impelled” to ask her out for a drink after seeing her posing in a corset. Ms Maltby also said that Green offered her a job working for the Conservative Party with the intention to get on the Conservative candidates list, such as working for an MP or at Tory HQ. Mr Green has denied the allegations as Ms Maltby describes, but apologised for making her feel “uncomfortable” and the “distress” caused by the situation.

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Theresa May and Damian Green

What is next for the Prime Minister and Green, who have been close friends since their time at Oxford University and throughout their political careers, is uncertain, although Green will continue serving as an MP. A Christmas reshuffle is unlikely, but these days we wouldn’t put any money on any political prediction. It is expected, though, that Mrs May will take her time in replacing her closest Westminster ally.

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