Prisons Minister Lord Timpson led the government

The Prisons Minister has resigned from the government, the BBC reported.

He was appointed in July 2024 after Lord James Timpson stepped down as CEO of the Timpson Group.

Coming to the kingdom It was welcomed by some members of the Labor Party and described as “radical” and “innovative”.

But in a statement on Monday, seen exclusively by the BBC, Lord Timpson said he was stepping down and it was an “honour” to serve at the Post Office.

Although there was no specific reason for his resignation, it was understood that he felt he had done his best as a player.

Prisons in England and Wales were almost at capacity when Sir Keir Starmer first came into government.

He oversaw the controversial early release plan, in which tens of thousands of inmates were released to make more room in prisons.

His critics argue that prisons continue to be violent, drug-ridden and overcrowded, with probation officers still overworked and unable to cope.

But figures show that assaults on staff and self-harm in prisons are falling.

“I left prisons and our probation service two years ago in a much healthier and happier state,” Lord Timpson said in his resignation speech.

He added: “I am proud to be the longest serving minister in this role for 15 years. I am also proud that 75% of prisons and 90% of probation groups are now performing better than when I started.”

“Self-harm, violence and assaults on staff are all down, and fewer people are leaving prison without a home to go to, which I think is a measure of dignity.”

He also pointed to the Women’s Justice Board he founded, saying “most women should never go to prison” and “getting them out of prison, helping them to live their often chaotic, damaged and addicted lives, is something I’m proud to have accomplished.”

With more people expected to be released early and more offenders serving their sentences in the community, critics may ask why he is leaving before the Sentencing Act 2026 comes into force.

A Ministry of Justice source told the BBC: “We’re sad to see him go, but the new guy has his work cut out for him to turn things around.”