Small business minister resigns after ‘depraved’ text messages revealed

Andrew Griffiths, the minister for small business and MP for Burton has resigned from the government after it emerged that sent more than 2,000 explicit text messages to two women in his constituency.

Griffiths was formerly a chief of staff to Theresa May. He released a statement following an investigation by The Sunday Mirror, which called the text messages “depraved”.

Griffiths said: “I am deeply ashamed at my behaviour which has caused untold distress to my wife and family, to whom I owe everything, and deep embarrassment to the prime minister and the government I am so proud to serve.

“I tendered my resignation as parliamentary under secretary of state for small business on Friday night.”

Griffiths was elected an MP for Burton in 2010. Before his Parliamentary career he worked for the family engineering business in the West Midlands, before joining the Halifax Building Society where he specialised in property and financial services.

Griffiths has said he will be seeking professional help to try and address his behaviour.

He added: “In time I hope to earn the forgiveness of all those who put their trust in me and that I have let down so terribly. The prime minister and the government she leads will continue to have my full support.”

Griffiths’ replacement as Small Business Minister will become the sixth person to hold the position in just four years, following Sir Michael Fallon, Matt Hancock, Anna Soubry and Margot James.