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Gateshead born Lord Bates resigns

Lord Bates, pictured in 2009 Credit: Library image (PA 2009)

Lord Michael Bates, born in Gateshead, has resigned as a Minister of State at the Home Office.

It'll take effect at the end of the month.

He's leaving the job to walk solo across South America for charity.

“I would like to pay tribute to Lord Bates’ parliamentary service, and outstanding contribution as Minister of State at the Home Office.

I am immensely grateful for his efforts in steering important pieces of legislation through the Lords, including the Modern Slavery Bill, the Psychoactive Substances Bill and, most recently, the Immigration Bill.

He has been very effective in representing the Home Office in the Lords.

I wish him well in the commendable undertaking for which he vacates his post, a solo walk across South America in support of the UN Olympic truce and to raise funds for UNICEF, a cause close to his heart.”

– Prime Minister David Cameron

Lord Bates worked, with others, to establish one of the first City Technology Colleges in Gateshead.

He was appointed a Minister of State at the Home Office in May 2015.