Zac Goldsmith QUITS after facing criticism over ‘interfering’ in Partygate probe

A MINISTER criticised for interfering with a Commons partygate probe quit Rishi Sunak’s government today.

In a stinging resignation letter, Lord Goldsmith said that “reluctantly” he has decided to stand down.

Just yesterday he was name-checked in a fresh Privileges Committee report for questioning the integrity of its investigation into Boris Johnson.

Eight Tories including Nadine Dorries and Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg now face sanctions for putting “improper pressure” on the panel.

The Privileges Committee said that the MPs “took it upon themselves to undermine procedures of the House of Commons” by hitting out at their investigation. 

Despite the report, No10 this week said the PM had “full confidence” Lord Goldsmith.

In a resignation letter published this morning, the minister blasted Mr Sunak for not sharing his views on environmental issues.

“The problem is not that the government is hostile to the environment, it is that you, our Prime Minister, are simply uninterested,” he said.

“It has been a privilege to have been able to make a difference to a cause I have been committed to for as long as I remember.

“But this government’s apathy in the face of the greatest challenge we face makes continuing in my role untenable.

“Reluctantly, I am therefore stepping down.”

Lord Goldsmith is a close ally of ex-PM Boris.

In their initial report published this month, the Privileges Committee found Mr Johnson had knowingly misled the Commons when he assured no parties were held in No10 during lockdown.

The ex-PM was stripped of his parliamentary pass and would have been suspended for 90 days had he not earlier resigned as an MP.

Lord Goldsmith has been a long-time campaigner for green causes.

In 2016 he unsuccessfully ran against Sadiq Khan as the Tory candidate for London mayor.