Key Resignations & Dismissals in the 1992-1997 Parliament

David Mellor resigned as National Heritage Secretary on 24 September 1992. This followed revelations about an extra-marital affair with Antonia De Sancha and Mellor's relationship with Mona Bauwens, daughter of a senior member of the PLO. It emerged in a court case that Ms Bauwens had contributed to a holiday Mellor took in Marbella.

Edward Leigh was sacked as a Trade Minister on 27 May 1993 because of his anti-European stance.

Michael Mates resigned as Northen Ireland Minister on 24 June 1993 after it was revealed that he had sent the fugitive businessman Asil Nadir a watch inscribed "don't let the buggers get you down."

Tim Yeo resigned as Environment Minister on 5 January 1994 followed revelations in the News of the World that he had fathered a child by Julia Stent, a Conservative councillor in Hackney.

Hartley Booth resigned as Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to Douglas Hogg on 13 February 1994 after allegations about an affair with his former Commons researcher.

Graham Riddick resigned as PPS to John MacGregor on 10 July 1994 in the midst of the 'Cash for Questions' affair. He had accepted �1,000 to table a parliamentary question from a Sunday Times journalist posing as a businessman. Riddick returned the cheque after having had second thoughts.

David Tredinnick resigned as PPS to Sir Wyn Roberts on 10 July 1994 in the midst of the 'Cash for Questions' affair. He had accepted �1,000 to table a parliamentary question from a Sunday Times journalist posing as a businessman. Mr Tredinnick said he had intended to give the money to charity.

Tim Smith resigned as a Northern Ireland Minister on 20 October 1994 over allegations that he had accepted money from Mohammed Al Fayed to table parliamentary questions about Harrods.

Neil Hamilton resigned as a Trade and Industry Minister on 25 October 1994 over alleged links to Mohammed Al Fayed.

Richard Spring resigned as PPS in the Northern Ireland Office on 9 April 1995 following revelations in the News of the World of a 'three-in-a bed sex romp'.

Rod Richards resigned as Welsh Office Minister on 2 June 1996 following revelations of an extra-marital affair.

David Heathcoat-Amory resigned as Paymaster General on 22 July 1996 in order to be free to campaign against European Monetary Union.

David Willetts resigned as Paymaster General on 11 December 1996. He had been criticised for 'dissembling' by the Standards and Privileges Committee. The Committee was investigating an allegation that he had improperly sought to influence a select committee investigation into Neil Hamilton. Willetts had been a whip at the time.