UK: Welsh secretary resigns over rape trial allegations

Alun Cairns was accused of lying about knowledge of former aide who allegedly sabotaged rape trial

By Fatih Hafiz Mehmet

ANKARA (AA) - A minister in the U.K. resigned on Wednesday after being accused of lying about his knowledge of a former aide who allegedly sabotaged a rape trial.

In a letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson shared on Twitter, Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns said he is resigning as secretary of state.

"You will be aware of allegations relating to the actions of a party employee and candidate for the Welsh assembly elections in the Vale of Glamorgan.

"This is a very sensitive matter, and in light of continued speculation, I write to tender my resignation as Secretary of State for Wales," Cairns said.

Cairns had been insisting last week he was unaware of evidence given by his former aide which led to the alleged collapse of a trial in April last year.

However, local reports suggested that Cairns was aware of his aide's involvement in the court issue as he was emailed about it in Aug. 2018.

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