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Mike Tapp has confirmed his departure as Home Office minister for migration, expressing disappointment but reaffirming his "loyalty to Keir Starmer until the end" amidst reports of internal government friction.

The junior minister's exit follows a public disagreement with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood towards the end of Sir Keir’s initial tenure.

Mr Tapp had reportedly suggested exempting care workers from Ms Mahmood’s proposed indefinite leave to remain (ILR) reforms, sparking a dispute.

Sir Keir resisted calls from the home secretary to dismiss Mr Tapp at the time, with Downing Street issuing a rebuke to both ministers involved in the row.

Announcing his departure on X, in a post signed off with three Union flags, the MP for Dover and Deal stated: "I am no longer the Minister for Migration and Citizenship where I was predominantly overseeing our legal migration system."

He added: "I am disappointed to be leaving government, but I have no regrets remaining loyal to Keir Starmer until the end."

Reflecting on his tenure, Mr Tapp emphasised his guiding principles, asserting: "For me, service has always meant putting the country first, and I’m proud to have approached the role with that principle at its heart."

Mr Tapp sitting with Keir Starmer (PA)

He continued: "Every decision I made in the Home Office began with my top priority: our national security." He also articulated his vision for the system, stating: "Our immigration system is also about people. That is why compassion must sit alongside firmness, striking the right balance to protect our country, support our economy, and uphold confidence in the system."

Among his achievements, he cited "delivering the massive Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme, to visa pauses and improving the Windrush Compensation Scheme," adding that "it has been truly satisfying to play a part in strengthening our immigration system."

Despite acknowledging that "net migration is falling, there is still much more to do," Mr Tapp pledged to continue contributing to Parliament, stating: "I will always put my country first and that is why I will continue to bring my experience from my time working at the highest levels of national security to Parliament."

He concluded by expressing his belief that "This Labour Government must succeed – for the good of our country. I will be working every single day to help deliver for the British people," and extended his gratitude, saying: "Thank you to my Private Office and Home Office officials who have worked hard with me to make progress."

He also wished his successor "the very best of luck." Downing Street has yet to announce who will take over the migration portfolio.