Natalie Fleet leaves 'triggering' safeguarding minister role

Natalie Fleet, a Labour MP known for her advocacy on issues affecting women and girls, has resigned from her role as safeguarding minister, citing the position as “overwhelmingly triggering” and detrimental to her health. Fleet announced her decision on social media, stating that the demands of the role had made her unwell and that she could no longer fulfill its responsibilities. Fleet’s departure comes just months after she was appointed to the role on 12 May, following the resignation of Jess Phillips. Phillips had previously criticized the pace of progress under former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Fleet’s tenure as minister saw her working closely with the new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, whom she informed of her decision to step down. She expressed regret over leaving the position but emphasized that stepping away was the “bravest thing I’ve ever done.” In a statement shared on the platform X, Fleet described the role as an “honour of a lifetime,” acknowledging the emotional toll it took. She noted that the work required confronting some of the darkest aspects of human behavior, which left her feeling isolated and unheard. “I understand what it is like not to be seen and not to be heard,” she said, reflecting on her personal experience as a victim of sexual abuse during adolescence. Fleet, who was elected MP for Bolsover in July 2024, has long been open about her past. She spoke candidly about being groomed and raped by an older man at the age of 15, resulting in an unplanned pregnancy. In an interview with GB News in 2024, she recounted the trauma of the experience, describing weekly nightmares about the incident. Despite the pain, she chose to give birth to her daughter, whom she calls the “absolute love of my life.” Her personal history has shaped her political focus, particularly on supporting victims of abuse and ensuring their voices are heard. During her maiden speech in the House of Commons in October 2024, Fleet pledged to advocate for women in her Derbyshire constituency whose stories remain untold. This commitment underscored her belief in the importance of the safeguarding ministry, which she described as one of the most critical roles within the government. “It was the honour of my life to be able to do it,” she said, emphasizing the significance of the work despite the challenges it posed. Fleet’s decision to resign highlights the intense psychological burden associated with certain governmental roles, especially those involving sensitive and distressing cases. While she acknowledged receiving support from the Home Office during her time in office, she maintained that the nature of the work itself was uniquely taxing. “Anybody would struggle hearing that but not everyone would react in the same way as someone who has gone through what I have,” she explained. As Fleet steps down, the responsibility for continuing the work of the safeguarding ministry will fall to her successor. The transition marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to improve protections for vulnerable individuals, particularly women and girls. With Fleet’s departure, the focus will shift to ensuring that the legacy of her contributions endures through continued advocacy and policy reform.