Lord Hill replaces Lord Strathclyde as Leader of the Lords

His resignation letter:

Downing Street insisting that the resignation is simply a reflection of Lord Strathclyde's desire for a change of pace. Downing Street has announced that "The Queen has been pleased to appoint the Rt Hon the Lord Strathclyde to the Order of the Companions of Honour". On the day of the Coalition's mid-term review it is nonetheless slightly odd timing.

Ben Brogan comments:

"Lord Strathclyde's departure is a loss for the Prime Minister. Mr Cameron relied on him to run the Lords with little or no interference from Downing Street. He trusted his judgment, acknowledging that Lord Strathclyde had forgotten more about the Other Place than he would ever know. But he also served another invaluable purpose, as a connection into the further reaches of the Tory party, its grandees and fundraisers. He also provided a voice of a certain kind of traditional Toryism that many fear is missing from the Cabinet."

Lord Hill was a Minister at Education. Until today.

12.45pm: The PM's letter to Tom Strathclyde: