Former Minister Resigns Over Rising Mortgage Costs

George Freeman cites financial strain and personal toll as reasons for stepping down from ministerial role.

George Freeman, former science minister and MP for Mid Norfolk, resigned from his ministerial role due to rising mortgage costs, which increased from £800 to £2,000 per month.
Freeman stated that he could not afford the increased mortgage payments on his £120,000 ministerial salary.
In addition to financial pressures, Freeman cited exhaustion and depression as reasons for his resignation.
Freeman, who has held various ministerial posts and received severance payments, is now free to take on lucrative second jobs, subject to approval by the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments.
Freeman's situation highlights the broader issue of rising mortgage costs in the UK, with homeowners facing a collective £19bn increase as fixed-rate deals expire.