Mike Tapp leaves role as migration minister weeks after Mahmood row
Mike Tapp has confirmed he is stepping down as Home Office minister responsible for immigration, expressing disappointment but reaffirming his “full loyalty to Keir Starmer” amid reports of intra-government infighting.
The junior minister’s departure follows a public falling out with Home Affairs Minister Shabana Mahmood towards the end of Sir Keir’s first term.
Mr Tapp reportedly suggested that care workers be exempt from Ms Mahmood’s proposed indefinite leave (ILR) reforms, which sparked a dispute.
Sir Keir resisted calls from the home secretary at the time to sack Mr Tapp, while Downing Street rebuked both ministers involved in the row.
Announcing his departure in a post signed with three Union flags on X, the Dover and Deal MP said: “I am no longer the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, where I predominantly oversee our legal immigration system.”
He added: “I’m disappointed to leave the government, but I have no regrets remaining loyal to Keir Starmer until the end.”
Regarding his tenure, Mr. Tapp emphasized his guiding principles, asserting: “For me, service has always meant putting country first, and I am proud to have approached this role with that principle at its core.”
He continued: “Every decision I made at the Home Office started with my top priority, our national security.” He also expressed his vision for the system: “Our immigration system is also about people. Compassion must therefore sit alongside determination, striking the right balance to protect our country, support our economy and maintain confidence in the system.”
Its achievements included “the introduction of the major Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) scheme, visa pauses and improving the Windrush Compensation Scheme”, adding that it was “really satisfying to play a part in strengthening our immigration system”.
“Net migration is falling, there is still much to do,” said Tapp, promising to continue contributing to Parliament: “I will always put my country first, and therefore I will continue to bring to Parliament the experiences I have gained from my time working at the highest levels of national security.”
He concluded by expressing his belief that “this Labor Government must succeed for the good of our country. I will work every day to serve the interests of the British people” and expressed his gratitude: “I would like to thank my Privy Office and Home Office officials who have worked so hard with me to deliver progress.”
He also wished his successor “good luck”. Downing Street has not yet announced who will take over the transition portfolio.
