Brexit minister quits over ‘worsening injury’ following helicopter accident
2 min read
A Brexit Minister has quit her post after just five months because of injuries sustained from falling out of a helicopter.
Baroness Anelay, who became DExEU’s minister of state in June of this year, announced today she was quitting because of “an uncomfortable injury” after two decades on the front bench.
The resignation comes just months after the department lost Brexit ministers David Jones and Lord Bridges.
Last month Oliver Robbins, a top official, also resigned after just a year in post following reported tensions with David Davis.
Baroness Anelay, who will be replaced by Lord Callanan, wrote on ConservativeHome: “It was the Black Hawk helicopter that did it. It was 2015, and as a Foreign Office Minister I was touring Bosnia and Herzegovina, meeting victims of war and terror for whom British overseas power had been a ladder out of oppression.
“Unfortunately for me, that particular ladder hadn’t materialised when it came to getting out of the helicopter. One ill-judged leap later, and I sustained an uncomfortable injury that has called time on my ministerial career after two decades on the Front Bench.”
She added in a statement: “It has been a huge privilege to work with and see first-hand the dedication of my Ministerial colleagues and the Civil Service as we deliver on the referendum result and negotiate the UK’s exit from the EU.
“I’m immensely proud of what the Government has achieved while I have been a part of it, and am grateful for having been given the opportunity to serve.”
Brexit Secretary Mr Davis said: “Joyce has made an invaluable contribution to ensuring a successful departure from the EU through her work representing Britain abroad, and representing the Department in the House of Lords.
"She's been a great part of our Ministerial team and a good friend. I wish her all the best as she returns to the back benches where she will bring an unparalleled level of experience to the task of scrutinising Brexit legislation on its way through the House of Lords.
"I'm delighted to welcome Lord Callanan to the Department — he brings with him a wealth of experience in Brussels and a proven ability in political leadership. I look forward to working together as a Ministerial team to continue delivering the important task of negotiating our exit from the European Union and making a success of Brexit."
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