“I am proud to have helped reinstate the work-first principle in Sweden. I am also proud that during my time in Government we have taken a clear stance on the fundamental values of our liberal democracy and that we have renewed our focus on the country’s extensive social exclusion issues,” says Mr Persson.

“Now that a new party leader has been appointed for the Liberal Party, I would like to give her the opportunity to shape her own team. This is the right time to leave, well in advance of the elections to the Riksdag,” Mr Persson concludes.

“I would like to thank Mats Persson for his time in Government and for his important work both as Minister for Education and as Minister for Employment and Integration – particularly for his work against segregation and unemployment,” says Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.

The Government will announce who is to succeed Mr Persson in due course.