If I had to resign every time the Cabinet disagrees with me, I could not last as a Defense Minister one week.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
I have no ambitions to be a cabinet minister, or prime minister. I wouldn't wish being prime minister on my worst enemy.
That is why with enormous regret I have tendered my resignation to the prime minister today.
I made a mistake by being ejected from the presidency. Next time, I will choose a Cabinet which will allow me to be life President.
I have completed 43 years in politics and have been a minister of state, chief minister, and a Cabinet minister. A person who survives so many years is bound to face some attacks. It doesn't affect me because I know the truth.
I thought I could do something different from any Conservative prime minister before me. But I couldn't.
I never expected to be Defence Secretary. It's a great privilege.
Of course I'd have loved to be Prime Minister. But I'm not nursing a grievance.
I am a President held prisoner, that I haven't resigned and I will not resign.
I serve at the discretion of the prime minister.
I was Minister for the Armed Forces in the Ministry of Defence for two years prior to being appointed Defence Secretary.