Natalie Fleet leaves 'triggering' safeguarding minister role
Natalie Fleet has resigned as the UK's safeguarding minister, stating that the nature of the role was 'overwhelmingly triggering' due to her own past experiences as a survivor of abuse. She emphasized that the position requires someone who can perform at their best to support victims.
Why it matters
The resignation highlights the personal toll that high-stakes government roles involving trauma can take on public officials, sparking discussions about support systems for ministers.
Image source, GB News/PA By Harry Farley , Political correspondent and Richard Wheeler , Political reporter Published 27 minutes ago Natalie Fleet says she has stepped down as safeguarding minister after finding the role "overwhelmingly triggering", telling the BBC that it was making her ill.
The Labour MP, who was groomed and raped as a teenager, added she told the team of new Prime Minister Andy Burnham that she "sadly couldn't stay" in the job.
Fleet described it as the "bravest thing I've ever done" and offered her support to her successor.
She was appointed to the role on 12 May this year following the resignation of Jess Phillips , who said opportunities for progress had been "stalled and delayed" under the leadership of then-Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
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