Chichester MP Gillian Keegan weighs in on latest Tory controversies

MP for Chichester and Education Secretary, Gillian Keegan, has weighed in on the controversy surrounding the resignation of Sir Gavin Williamson.

Keegan said he did “the right thing” by resigning after bullying claims.

Asked if Rishi Sunak should have sacked him, she said in an interview: “I think Gavin did the right thing by resigning.

“It’s had the same impact, you know, he’s now going to be on the back benches and he’s going to be fighting the allegations, as he says, which he disputes.”

She added that Sir Gavin had “apologised” for the “unacceptable” expletive-laden messages sent to a colleague.

The Chichester MP also says Sir Gavin Williamson had “never threatened her”.

She said: “I’ve worked with him several times and I haven’t seen any of that. “He’s never threatened me, or he’s only ever been supportive actually, personally, to me.”

She added: “I barely have meetings with the chief whip, which is probably a good thing. “I know that there are some quite robust conversations.”

Keegan also defended Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s judgment.

“I think Rishi has the highest degree of integrity and judgment,” the Education Secretary said.

“We saw it all over the summer, he was prepared to tell the hard truths. That’s real leadership.”

She added: “I mean, the reality is you appoint people and, you know, the only thing you can do if things don’t work out or things go wrong or things come to light afterwards is act quickly.

“Gavin’s acted quickly, he’s removed the distraction. “I would expect after today that it won’t be discussed any further.”

Keegan has also defended Home Secretary Suella Braverman’s handling of the migrant situation in Kent, as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faces questions over her reappointment.

Ms Keegan said: “I think Suella’s got a really difficult job.

“Anybody trying to handle the small boat crisis with the massive increase in numbers and this market – this organised crime, actually, that is building this market of people and selling dreams and delivering nightmares to people – anyone having to deal with that is going to face challenges.

“Now, obviously, you know, there was a situation at Manston, there was a facility that had to be closed.

“That was all top of the headlines a couple of days ago.

“Now she’s got it completely under control. Manston has now got about less than 1,600 – about 1,000 people in there.

“That won’t be reported, but, you know, that’s what she’s achieved.”

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