12:15 05 August 2014
Baroness Warsi has resigned as Foreign Office Minister over Gaza saying that the government policy on the crisis is “morally indefensible, is not in Britain's national interest and will have a long term effect on our reputation internationally and domestically.”
She announced her move via Twitter saying that she was leaving with “deep regret.” She goes on to say: "I must be able to live with myself for the decisions I took or the decisions I supported. By staying in government at this time I do not feel that I can be sure of that."
Lady Warsi, who was a former chairman of the Conservative Party, became the first female Muslim cabinet minister when David Cameron took office in 2010.
London Mayor Boris Johnson praised Lady Warsi and said he hoped she will be back. "She has done a great job for us and I hope she will be back as soon as possible."
Meanwhile, Labour backbencher Paul Flynn tweeted: "From the fog of Tories' cynical deception, posturing and spin on Gaza massacres emerges a voice of truth and honesty. Bravo Bn. Warsi."