Alun Cairns quits Cabinet over rape trial row

Alun Cairns has resigned as Wales Secretary following claims he knew about a former aide’s role in the collapse of a rape trial. Cairns said he made the decision to quit ‘in light of continued speculation’ over what he called a ‘sensitive matter’. Cairns’ former advisor Ross England was condemned by a judge after making claims in court about a rape victim’s sexual history. His remarks led to the trial’s collapse in April 2018. Cairns said he did not know about the case but BBC Wales subsequently reported that the Tory MP was sent an email last year making reference to the trial. In his resignation letter to the Prime Minister, Cairns wrote:

‘You will be aware of allegations relating to the actions of a Party employee and candidate for the Welsh Assembly elections in the Vale of Glamorgan. This is a very sensitive matter, and in light of continued speculation, I write to tender my resignation as Secretary of State for Wales.