In full: Lord Strathclyde's resignation letter The leader of the House of Lords, Lord Strathclyde, announced that he is to step down today. His resignation letter talks of a desire to return to the private sector Dear Prime Minister, There is rarely a good time to discuss succession but an opportunity exists to make a further change to those you are already making in the Lords, namely, to accept my resignation and replace me as Leader of the House of Lords. I believe that these changes will benefit government, party and House of Lords alike. When I was invited to join the government by Margaret Thatcher in 1988, I never believed it was a career for life. I didn't expect it would consume me for as long as it has or that I would one day lead the Lords and sit in a Cabinet. Both have been a huge privilege shared by few and it has been a particular pleasure to serve in Cabinet with you as Prime Minister. I have been on the front line of politics for a long time now. I am half way through my 25th year on the Front Bench and a month ago I started my 15th year as leader of the Conservative Party in the House of Lords. The Lords is an extraordinary and vigorous place, but recently I've been considering a change of direction. I started my working life in the private sector and at some stage always hoped to return, I would now like to do so. While I have the highest respect for the privilege and duty of public service, I do not see a political career as the cap of everything and would like, while there is still time, to take up other threads of my life and other interests. I always promised myself that when I did leave I would do so when I could make a smooth handover to a strong successor. Whatever my feelings on the matter, reform of the Lords is effectively over and now is a good time to manage that handover. With the government beginning to bring recovery and change for the better out of the truly shocking economic catastrophe we inherited in 2010, the House needs a new Leader to see it through different challenges in the years ahead. I am enormously grateful to you and to all your predecessors since Margaret Thatcher who have seen fit to include me in their team as a Whip, Minister, Chief Whip and now Leader. It has been an extraordinary journey in government and opposition. I particularly appreciate the trust you have shown me and the support you have freely given since you became Leader of the Party in 2005. These are years I shall never forget. We are now closer to the next General Election than the last and you need an energetic team around you who can support and inspire you through to victory and a new Conservative government. I shall continue to offer you, our Party and this government my fullest support from the backbenches in the House of Lords. Thomas Strathclyde Dear Tom, Thank you for your letter. I was sorry to hear of your intention to leave the Government but, after a quarter of a century on the frontbench, I entirely understand your desire to pursue other interests. You have been an outstanding Leader of the Lords. Under your leadership the Lords has enhanced its role as our second legislative chamber. Your assured handling of business of the House and your understanding of its traditions and practices have earned you the deep respect of Peers across the House. You have ensured the House has continued to play its unique role in the governance of the United Kingdom with great distinction. For fourteen years as Leader of the Opposition in the Lords, you led Conservative peers in the Upper House with a steady hand. In that role you have provided me and my predecessors with the benefit of your enormous experience and unwavering support. Before that as a Whip, Minister and Chief Whip, you made a very significant contribution to the work of the last Conservative administration. You have an impressive record of public service which you should be very proud of. To me personally, you have always been a staunch friend and wise counsel. You will be much missed. I do hope that at some point in the future years you will have a further contribution to offer. Yours, David.