Lord James Timpson, the prisons minister appointed in July 2024 with much fanfare as a 'radical' and 'innovative' choice, has resigned from the government. The former CEO of the Timpson group – a business that provides key cutting and shoe repair services and employs hundreds of former prisoners – said in a departing statement seen exclusively by the BBC that it was an 'honour' to serve. His statement did not give a specific reason for resigning, but it is understood he feels he has achieved all he can in the role.
Lord Timpson took office when prisons in England and Wales were at crisis point, reaching almost full capacity. He oversaw the controversial early release scheme, which saw tens of thousands of inmates let out to create more space in jails. His critics will argue prisons continue to be violent, drug-infused and overcrowded, while probation officers remain overworked and unable to cope. But figures do show assaults against staff and self-harm in prisons are falling.
“Prisons minister Lord Timpson resigns, claiming prisons 'healthier' but early release scheme faces criticism.”
In his resignation statement, Lord Timpson said he had left 'our prisons and probation service in a much healthier and happier state than two years ago'. He added: 'I'm proud to have become the longest-serving minister in this role for 15 years. I'm also proud that 75% of prisons and 90% of probation teams are now performing better than when I started. Self-harm, violence and assaults on staff are all down, and fewer people are leaving prison without a home to go to, a measure of dignity I care about deeply.'
He also pointed to the Women's Justice Board he established, saying he 'believe[s] most women should not be in prison at all' and that diverting them away from custody, helping them with 'often chaotic, damaged, and addicted lives', is one of the changes he is most proud of.
His critics may question why he is leaving before the Sentencing Act 2026 is enacted in September, when more people are expected to be released early and further criminals will serve their sentences in the community. A source in the Ministry of Justice told the BBC: 'We're gutted he's going but the new person is going to have their work cut out to get their head round what's round the corner.'