A MEDIA SCRUM. CHIEF SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY DAVID LAWS APPROACHES THE MICROPHONE AND READS A PREPARED STATEMENT.
DAVID LAWS:
I have been hiding a secret since around 2001. I am a Conservative. My Conservatism has been unknown to both family and friends throughout that time.
In 2010 the rules were changed to allow Liberal Democrats into Government despite losing seats in the election. I felt it was my duty to keep my Conservatism to myself during this period for the stability of the country, and to get rid of Brown.
During the election campaign I was opposed to making £6bn cuts this year. As I have recently announced £6.2bn cuts rather than £6bn, I do not consider my position to be inconsistent. However, I now accept that this was open to interpretation. But it's not my fault - I was left a note saying there's no money left.
I am an intensely private person. I made the decision to keep my political beliefs private in case they caught me out, and I believed that was my right. Clearly that cannot now remain the case.
My motivation throughout has been to grasp onto a position of power that my status in UK politics hardly deserves. I regret this situation deeply, and apologise fully.
I have also referred myself to the Daily Telegraph investigation unit.
END
