Minister responsible for Yorkshire devolution talks, Simon Clarke, quits for personal reasons

Simon Clarke, who has been Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government, wrote in a letter to the Prime Minister that he had "to balance my own life against the demands of office".

He did not elaborate but added: "I would not have made tthis decision unless I believed that it was of the utmost importance."

Mr Clarke, who was born in Stockton-on-Tees and has been MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland since 2017, has led talks with local leaders over devolution deals.

The £1.8bn deal with West Yorkshire was signed in March, while in North Yorkshire leaders are being asked to come up with local government reforms after being told by Mr Clarke this was a condition of a devolution deal.

One Yorkshire leader said his departure was "very disappointing at this stage in devolution discussions". Mr Clarke will be replaced by Luke Hall, MP for Thornbury and Yate

Mr Clarke wrote in his letter: "It has been a privilege to serve as a Minister in your administration, first at the Treasury and since February at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

"It is an enormous honour to hold ministerial office at any time, but all the more so to have had the chance to do so at the request of a Prime Minister I admire very deeply and to deliver an agenda in which I believe passionately."

He added: "I hope that in time, I might have the opportunity to serve in your Government again. Whatever the future holds, you can be assured of my deepest loyalty, affection and friendship from the backbenches."