Brooks Newmark quits following sex scandal claims

A MINISTER resigned from the coalition government last night over allegations made in a Sunday newspaper.
Cabinet Office Minister Brooks Newmark who has resigned as Minister for Civil Society over a story that is to be published in a Sunday newspaper. Picture: PACabinet Office Minister Brooks Newmark who has resigned as Minister for Civil Society over a story that is to be published in a Sunday newspaper. Picture: PA
Cabinet Office Minister Brooks Newmark who has resigned as Minister for Civil Society over a story that is to be published in a Sunday newspaper. Picture: PA

Brooks Newmark has stepped down from his post as minister for civil society, Downing Street confirmed.

According to the Sunday Mirror, Newmark – founder of the Women2Win campaign group – exchanged explicit pictures on the internet with a reporter posing as a PR girl.

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The American-born 56-year-old married father of five tendered his resignation after learning details of their exchanges were to be published today.

“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,” he said in a statement.

“I remain a loyal supporter of this government as its long-term economic plan continues to deliver for the British people.”

A Downing Street spokesman said: “The Prime Minister has accepted Brooks Newmark’s resignation from his role as minister for civil society.”

Newmark first entered parliament as the MP for Braintree in 2005.

He made his mark as a backbencher with his interventions on the economy – serving as a member of the Treasury Committee – and more recently on Syria.

His political responsibilities included overseeing charities including the Girl Guides, an organisation he tweeted his support for last week.

He has a high-flying background in the world of finance, holding a senior role with Lehman Brothers.

He was made a Cabinet Office minister in David Cameron’s last reshuffle in July, having previously worked in the Tory whips office.