UK’s May sacks defence minister over Huawei leak
British Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday sacked Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson following a probe into the leak of news that Britain had conditionally allowed China’s Huawei to develop its 5G network.
“The Prime Minister has this evening asked Gavin Williamson to leave the government, having lost confidence in his ability to serve in the role of Defence Secretary and as a member of her Cabinet,” said a spokeswoman from her Downing Street office.
May said in a letter to Williamson that the investigation “provides compelling evidence suggesting your responsibility for the unauthorised disclosure” from the April 23 meeting of the National Security Council (NSC), although he ‘strenuously denied’ responsibility.
“No other credible version of events to explain this leak has been identified,” wrote May.
“This is an extremely serious matter and a deeply disappointing one,” she added, with Williamson now facing the possibility of a criminal probe.
“This must now be referred to the Metropolitan Police for a thorough criminal investigation into breaches of the Official Secrets Act,” said Liberal Democrat Leader Vince Cable.
Williamson responded in a letter to May, saying he was “sorry you felt recent leaks” originated from the defence ministry.
“I strenuously deny that I was in any way involved in this leak and I am confident that a thorough and formal inquiry would have vindicated my position”.
He revealed that May had given him the chance to resign, but turned it down as it would have been an acceptance of guilt.
Downing Street later announced that Penny Mordaunt, the Minister for Women and Equalities, would replace Williamson and become Britain’s first female defence minister, while continuing in her current role.