{O/C} To the latest setback gripping new British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Minister Gavin Williamson has resigned from his cabinet over alleged bullying and accusations of "unethical and immoral" behaviour.
{Take SOT}
Bowing to mounting allegations, Williamson is out.
In his resignation letter, he noted allegations against his past conduct, which he refutes.
But with him becoming a distraction for the government's work, he's leaving to clear his name of any wrongdoing.
Then the Prime Minister wrote, "it is with great sadness" that he accepted the MP's resignation, and expressed gratitude for his support and loyalty.
But it's not Williamson's first time down this road. He'd previously been fired twice by Sunak's predecessors, Boris Johnson and Theresa May.
Word has it, he once sent expletive-ridden messages to colleagues and treated them aggressively.
One civil servant who attested to the bullying claims says Williamson asked him to slit his throat and jump out of the window when he was defence secretary.
{Soundbite}
ANNE MILTON, Former Conservative Deputy Chief Whip:
I got the impression that he loved salacious gossip and would use it as his leverage against MPs if the need arose.
We had an MP who got a few financial problems, some financial help was given. It wasn't a great amount, but I do remember him asking me to give the MP in question the cheque.
And he waved it under my nose and says, "Make sure when you give him this cheque, he knows I now own him."
{VO}
Critics say clearly, the Prime Minister is horrible in vetting the right ministers.
{Soundbite}
THANGAM DEBBONAIRE, Shadow Leader of the House of Commons:
Well it's right that he resigned, but I'm afraid it doesn't end here because this is just another example of Rishi Sunak's weak leadership and poor judgement.
{VO}
This goes right back to Sunak's promise on his first day in office.
{Soundbite}
RISHI SUNAK, British Prime Minister, October 25th, 2022:
This government will have integrity, professionalism and accountability at every level.
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