Natalie Fleet, the United Kingdom's minister responsible for safeguarding, has resigned from her post, citing that the responsibilities of the role were "overwhelmingly triggering" and reawakened memories of her past trauma. Fleet, who has publicly shared her experience of being groomed and raped as a teenager, announced her resignation on social media Wednesday, stating that victims deserve a minister who can perform at their best.
Fleet was appointed safeguarding minister in May. In a statement on social media, she wrote, "Honour of lifetime to be Minister for Safeguarding. Quickly found contents overwhelmingly triggering. Did bravest thing I've ever done and told PM's team I sadly couldn't stay." She added, "Victims deserve someone at their best. I wish my successor well and will do all I can to support them."
Fellow Members of Parliament have praised Fleet for her candor and bravery following her resignation. In a previous interview with GB News after her election, Fleet described feelings of "shame and guilt and responsibility" at the time of her grooming, which she experienced with an older man when she was 15. She recounted the lack of terminology like "grooming" at the time and her realization that she was a victim of statutory rape, a situation she did not initially recognize.
Fleet also spoke about her efforts to find support for women in similar situations, noting her shock at the lack of resources when she intended to discuss her experience with her daughter. She stated that her research indicated over 3,000 conceptions annually result from rape, yet no dedicated charities exist to support these women.
Earlier in her tenure, Fleet drew criticism for a social media post regarding the response to the death of Ann Widdecombe, Reform UK's immigration and justice spokesperson. Fleet had commented on Nigel Farage's party, stating, "Nigel Farage and his gang of binmen get the same security as the rest of us. Sick of the faux outrage." She later apologized for the offense caused and deleted the tweet.