Brooks Newmark resigns just three months into the post after alleged inappropriate behaviour
Brooks Newmark has resigned as minister for civil society England and Wales’ following allegations in a Sunday newspaper.
The Conservative MP, who has been in post for less than three months, is alleged to have sent “inappropriate” pictures of himself to an undercover reporter who purported to be a female political campaigner.
Newark’s appointment in July got off on a controversial footing after he told charities they should "stick to their knitting" and stay out of politics.
A statement from Newmark said: "I have decided to resign as minister for civil society having been notified of a story to be published in a Sunday newspaper.
"I would like to appeal for the privacy of my family to be respected at this time. I remain a loyal supporter of this government as its long term economic plan continues to deliver for the British people."
He has been replaced by Rob Wilson, the Conservative MP for Reading East, who has held junior roles including parliamentary private secretary to chancellor George Osborne.
Wilson complained to the Charity Commission in January about the Family and Childcare Trust after it used hashtags on Twitter that were being promoted by the Labour Party.
The commission subsequently cleared the charity.
