UK's Patel and Dorries quit as incoming PM Truss takes over

British home secretary Priti Patel looks on during a visit with members of the Thames Valley Police with prime minister Boris Johnson, at Milton Keynes Police Station in Milton Keynes, Britain on 31 August, 2022Reuters

Britain's Priti Patel and Nadine Dorries both stepped down ahead of a cabinet reshuffle on Monday as Liz Truss formally takes over as the country's prime minister.

Patel said she will stand down as Britain's Home secretary, or interior minister.

A lawmaker belonging to the Conservative Party told Reuters that Suella Braverman, currently the government's attorney-general, was likely to be promoted to Patel's role.

Following Patel, culture minister Nadine Dorries stepped down, the Daily Mail reported late Monday.

Truss had offered Dorries, who is a firm supporter of Truss, to stay in her post, the Daily Mail said.

Patel and Dorries resigned just hours after Truss was named the winner of a Conservative Party leadership contest to become the next prime minister. Truss will take office on Tuesday.

British culture secretary Nadine Dorries walks outside at Downing Street in London, Britain on 7 July, 2022
Reuters

"I congratulate Liz Truss on being elected our new Leader, and will give her my support as our new Prime Minister," Patel said in her resignation letter to current prime minister Boris Johnson, which she posted on Twitter.

"It is my choice to continue my public service to the country and the Witham constituency from the backbenches, once Liz formally assumes office and a new Home Secretary is appointed," she wrote.