Alun Cairns has resigned as Secretary of State for Wales after being accused of lying about his knowledge of an allegation that a Conservative candidate had sabotaged a rape trial.

Mr Cairns said he was unaware of Ross England's role in the trial until after the story broke last week.

BBC Wales is said to have discovered evidence of an email exchange which displayed that Mr Cairns was emailed about it in August 2018 before Ross England was chosen as a political candidate.

In a letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Alun Cairns outlined his reasons for resignation. He states: "You will be aware of allegations relating to the actions of a party employee and candidate for the Welsh assembly elections in the Vale of Glamorgan.

"This is a very sensitive matter, and in light of continued speculation, I write to tender my resignation as secretary of state for Wales.

"I will cooperate in full with the investigation under the Ministerial Code which will now take place and I am confident I will be cleared of any breach or wrong doing."

Boris Johnson responded to Mr Cairns in writing. He said "I am extremely grateful for all the work you have done in the role as Secretary of State since March 2016.

"In particular, I would like to put on record my gratitude for all the support you have given to this government in ensuring we honour the commitment to the people that we leave the European Union.

"Given your long service as Secretary of State, you can be proud of your record of delivery for the people of Wales, in particular in ensuring the abolition of tolls on the Severn bridges."