UK minister quits despite review clearing him over alleged journalist investigation

LONDON (Reuters) - A British government minister resigned on Saturday even though a review found he had not breached the ministerial code after reports accused him of ordering the investigation of journalists while he was running a think-tank.

A review by Prime Minister Keir Starmer's ethics adviser found that Josh Simons, a junior minister involved in government plans for a new digital ID scheme, had not breached the code.

"It is clear that my remaining in office has now become a distraction from this government's important work," Simons wrote in a letter to Starmer, seen by Reuters.

"For that reason, and with sadness and regret, I offer my resignation."