David Laws: “I cannot escape the conclusion that what I have done is somehow wrong”
Liberal Democrat David Laws has resigned as Chief Secretary to the Treasury after admitting he claimed expenses to pay rent to his partner.
Mr Laws said he would be standing down with immediate effect in a statement given at the Treasury.
He had earlier apologised and said he would pay back the money which the Daily Telegraph said totalled £40,000.
The Yeovil MP said he wanted to keep his relationship with James Lundie private.
Mr Laws said he had informed both David Cameron and Nick Clegg, but it had been "his decision alone".
Explaining his decision, he said: "I do not see how I can carry out my crucial work on the Budget and spending review while I have to deal with the private and public implications of recent revelations."
Mr Laws said he had an "over-riding responsibility to those I love most and who I've exposed to scrutiny in this way," and it was time to redress that balance.
He said: "I can't escape the conclusion that what I did was somehow wrong."
Lib Dem Scottish Secretary Danny Alexander will take over the post, Downing Street has announced.
Responding to Mr Laws' resignation letter, Prime Minister David Cameron said he was an "honourable man", adding: "I hope that, in time, you will be able to serve again."
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