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23/09/2009
Aide Quits Over Scotland
A Labour MP has resigned from his post as a ministerial aide in protest at the Attorney General remaining in office.
Stephen Hesford said he could not support the decision allowing Baroness Scotland to hold her high profile post, after she was fined £5,000 for wrongfully employing a migrant worker.
The UK Borders Agency found Lady Scotland had failed to copy certain documentation relating to her housekeeper, whose working visa had expired.
Mr Hesford, private secretary to solicitor general Vera Baird, announced his intentions to step down today.
In a letter to PM Gordon Brown, he said: "My decision comes about because as an aide to the Law Officers, whilst I have great personal regard for the Attorney General, I cannot support the decision which allows her to remain in office.
"In my view, the facts of the case do not matter. It is the principle which counts, particularly at a time when the public's trust of Whitehall is uncertain to say the least. We have to be seen to be accountable."
Mr Hesford later told the BBC he thought Lady Scotland was "otherwise a very good minister", but insisted the matter was one of "a personal honour situation".
(PR/KMcA)
Stephen Hesford said he could not support the decision allowing Baroness Scotland to hold her high profile post, after she was fined £5,000 for wrongfully employing a migrant worker.
The UK Borders Agency found Lady Scotland had failed to copy certain documentation relating to her housekeeper, whose working visa had expired.
Mr Hesford, private secretary to solicitor general Vera Baird, announced his intentions to step down today.
In a letter to PM Gordon Brown, he said: "My decision comes about because as an aide to the Law Officers, whilst I have great personal regard for the Attorney General, I cannot support the decision which allows her to remain in office.
"In my view, the facts of the case do not matter. It is the principle which counts, particularly at a time when the public's trust of Whitehall is uncertain to say the least. We have to be seen to be accountable."
Mr Hesford later told the BBC he thought Lady Scotland was "otherwise a very good minister", but insisted the matter was one of "a personal honour situation".
(PR/KMcA)
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