UPDATES AS SHIP OF STATE SINKS
More strife for Boris Johnson as third senior minister quits
Rows and resignations: Is this the end for Boris Johnson?
Boris Johnson’s leadership is in the balance following the resignation of his chancellor Rishi Sunak and health secretary Sajid Javid.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s troubles have worsened after another senior member of his government abruptly quit – the latest in a string of departures on Wednesday.
Alex Chalk resigned as solicitor-general for England and Wales, saying he could not “defend the indefensible”.
“To be in government is to accept the duty to argue for difficult or even unpopular policy positions where that serves the broader national interest. But it cannot extend to defending the indefensible,” Mr Chalk wrote in his resignation letter to Mr Johnson.
“Public confidence in the ability of No.10 [Downing Street] to uphold the standards of candour expected of a British government has irretrievably broken down. I regret that I share that judgement.
“This comes at a moment of intense challenge for our country, when trust in government can rarely have been more important. I’m afraid the time has therefore come for fresh leadership.”
Catherine Haddon from the Institute for Government think tank told the BBC she expected Mr Johnson would have “a really, really difficult day” on Wednesday. “More awkwardness” was to be expected, she said.
“It will certainly be more people publishing letters and probably more of an idea of an eventual timetable for a vote of confidence,” she said.
“It’s going to be a febrile day.”
But other senior figures expressed their support for Mr Johnson. Foreign minister Liz Truss, considered a leading contender to replace him, said she was “100 per cent behind the PM”.
The resignations followed months of scandals and missteps, with Mr Johnson so far weathering criticism over a damning report into parties at his Downing Street residence and office that broke COVID-19 lockdown rules and saw him fined by police.
They leave him facing the biggest crisis of his leadership. But, signalling his intention to stay in power for as long as possible, Mr Johnson quickly appointed former businessman and his previous education minister Nadhim Zahawi as his new finance minister.
Steve Barclay, who was appointed to impose discipline in Mr Johnson’s administration in February, was moved to the health portfolio.
The resignations came as Mr Johnson was apologising for appointing an MP to a role involved in offering pastoral care, even after being briefed that the politician had been the subject of complaints about sexual misconduct.
There have been other policy U-turns, an ill-advised defence of another politician who broke lobbying rules, and he has also come under fire for not doing enough to tackle a cost-of-living crisis, with many Britons struggling to cope with rising fuel and food prices.
Mr Sunak and Mr Javid had previously publicly supported Mr Johnson, but in their letters said enough was enough.
“The public rightly expect government to be conducted properly, competently and seriously,” Mr Sunak said.
“I recognise this may be my last ministerial job, but I believe these standards are worth fighting for.”
Mr Javid said many MPs and the public had lost confidence in Mr Johnson’s ability to govern in the national interest.
“It is clear to me that this situation will not change under your leadership – and you have therefore lost my confidence too,” his letter said.
The resignations came minutes after Mr Johnson apologised on television for appointing MP Christopher Pincher to a role involved in offering pastoral care in the Conservative Party, his latest public expression of contrition for his mistakes.
“I just want to make absolutely clear that there’s no place in this government for anybody who is predatory or who abuses their position of power,” Mr Johnson said.
Mr Pincher’s resignation last Thursday triggered days of a changing narrative from Downing Street over what Mr Johnson knew of the deputy chief whip’s behaviour and when he knew it.
Earlier on Tuesday, after a former top official accused Mr Johnson’s office of lying, the PM’s spokesman was forced into a quick about-turn to say Mr Johnson had been briefed in “some form” about the case but had forgotten about that last week.
Some Conservative politicians are trying to renew attempts to unseat him, a month after Mr Johnson survived a confidence vote, while others earlier appealed to his cabinet ministers to move against him.
“He’s finished,” one previously loyal Conservative politician said, on condition of anonymity.
“He shouldn’t prolong the agony. It’s disrespectful to his colleagues, his party and his country.”
Opposition Labour leader Keir Starmer said those who had backed Mr Johnson were complicit in how he had performed his job.
“After all the sleaze, the scandals and the failure, it’s clear that this government is now collapsing,” he said.
-with AAP
Rows and resignations: Is this the end for Boris Johnson?
Boris Johnson’s leadership is in the balance following the resignation of his chancellor Rishi Sunak and health secretary Sajid Javid.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s troubles have worsened after another senior member of his government abruptly quit – the latest in a string of departures on Wednesday.
Alex Chalk resigned as solicitor-general for England and Wales, saying he could not “defend the indefensible”.
“To be in government is to accept the duty to argue for difficult or even unpopular policy positions where that serves the broader national interest. But it cannot extend to defending the indefensible,” Mr Chalk wrote in his resignation letter to Mr Johnson.
“Public confidence in the ability of No.10 [Downing Street] to uphold the standards of candour expected of a British government has irretrievably broken down. I regret that I share that judgement.
“This comes at a moment of intense challenge for our country, when trust in government can rarely have been more important. I’m afraid the time has therefore come for fresh leadership.”
It was the latest in a flurry of resignations late on Tuesday and into Wednesday, including Rishi Sunak’s departure as chancellor and Sajid Javid’s resignation as health secretary.
Four other MPs quit junior government roles while a trade envoy stood down and a vice-chairman of the Conservative Party resigned his post on live television.Catherine Haddon from the Institute for Government think tank told the BBC she expected Mr Johnson would have “a really, really difficult day” on Wednesday. “More awkwardness” was to be expected, she said.
“It will certainly be more people publishing letters and probably more of an idea of an eventual timetable for a vote of confidence,” she said.
“It’s going to be a febrile day.”
But other senior figures expressed their support for Mr Johnson. Foreign minister Liz Truss, considered a leading contender to replace him, said she was “100 per cent behind the PM”.
The resignations followed months of scandals and missteps, with Mr Johnson so far weathering criticism over a damning report into parties at his Downing Street residence and office that broke COVID-19 lockdown rules and saw him fined by police.
They leave him facing the biggest crisis of his leadership. But, signalling his intention to stay in power for as long as possible, Mr Johnson quickly appointed former businessman and his previous education minister Nadhim Zahawi as his new finance minister.
Steve Barclay, who was appointed to impose discipline in Mr Johnson’s administration in February, was moved to the health portfolio.
The resignations came as Mr Johnson was apologising for appointing an MP to a role involved in offering pastoral care, even after being briefed that the politician had been the subject of complaints about sexual misconduct.
There have been other policy U-turns, an ill-advised defence of another politician who broke lobbying rules, and he has also come under fire for not doing enough to tackle a cost-of-living crisis, with many Britons struggling to cope with rising fuel and food prices.
Mr Sunak and Mr Javid had previously publicly supported Mr Johnson, but in their letters said enough was enough.
“The public rightly expect government to be conducted properly, competently and seriously,” Mr Sunak said.
“I recognise this may be my last ministerial job, but I believe these standards are worth fighting for.”
Mr Javid said many MPs and the public had lost confidence in Mr Johnson’s ability to govern in the national interest.
“It is clear to me that this situation will not change under your leadership – and you have therefore lost my confidence too,” his letter said.
The resignations came minutes after Mr Johnson apologised on television for appointing MP Christopher Pincher to a role involved in offering pastoral care in the Conservative Party, his latest public expression of contrition for his mistakes.
“I just want to make absolutely clear that there’s no place in this government for anybody who is predatory or who abuses their position of power,” Mr Johnson said.
Mr Pincher’s resignation last Thursday triggered days of a changing narrative from Downing Street over what Mr Johnson knew of the deputy chief whip’s behaviour and when he knew it.
Earlier on Tuesday, after a former top official accused Mr Johnson’s office of lying, the PM’s spokesman was forced into a quick about-turn to say Mr Johnson had been briefed in “some form” about the case but had forgotten about that last week.
Some Conservative politicians are trying to renew attempts to unseat him, a month after Mr Johnson survived a confidence vote, while others earlier appealed to his cabinet ministers to move against him.
“He’s finished,” one previously loyal Conservative politician said, on condition of anonymity.
“He shouldn’t prolong the agony. It’s disrespectful to his colleagues, his party and his country.”
Opposition Labour leader Keir Starmer said those who had backed Mr Johnson were complicit in how he had performed his job.
“After all the sleaze, the scandals and the failure, it’s clear that this government is now collapsing,” he said.
-with AAP
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government rocked by cabinet resignations
July 5,2022
Boris Johnson's government has been rocked by the resignations of the treasurer and Health Secretary amid the latest scandal engulfing the British Prime Minister.
Key points:
Boris Johnson's government has been rocked by the resignations of the treasurer and Health Secretary amid the latest scandal engulfing the British Prime Minister.
Key points:
Britain's Health Secretary and Chancellor of the Exchequer have resigned from their positions in government
Both ministers took aim at Boris Johnson's ability to run a government that adhered to standards
Last month Mr Johnson survived a no-confidence vote by Tory MPs on his leadership
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak and Health Secretary Sajid Javid announced their decisions as Mr Johnson was apologising for appointing a former minister to a job in government despite knowing there was a sexual misconduct complaint against him.
And the announcements came just a month after Mr Johnson survived a no-confidence vote from Conservative MPs.
As Mr Johnson's apology was being aired on nightly news bulletins on Tuesday evening local time, Mr Javid announced his resignation in a statement, saying he could "no longer continue in good conscience".
Moments later, Mr Sunak also announced he was quitting.
Both had formerly publicly supported Mr Johnson during months of scandal over his government's conduct and a damning report into parties at his Downing Street office and residence that broke strict COVID-19 lockdown rules.
The two resignations were followed later on Tuesday evening by the resignations of three junior ministers and Mr Johnson's trade envoy for Morocco.
Mr Sunak, who had reportedly clashed with the prime minister in private about spending, said: "For me to step down as Chancellor while the world is suffering the economic consequences of the pandemic, the war in Ukraine and other serious challenges is a decision that I have not taken lightly."
"However, the public rightly expect government to be conducted properly, competently and seriously.
"I recognise this may be my last ministerial job, but I believe these standards are worth fighting for and that is why I am resigning."
Both ministers took aim at Boris Johnson's ability to run a government that adhered to standards
Last month Mr Johnson survived a no-confidence vote by Tory MPs on his leadership
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak and Health Secretary Sajid Javid announced their decisions as Mr Johnson was apologising for appointing a former minister to a job in government despite knowing there was a sexual misconduct complaint against him.
And the announcements came just a month after Mr Johnson survived a no-confidence vote from Conservative MPs.
As Mr Johnson's apology was being aired on nightly news bulletins on Tuesday evening local time, Mr Javid announced his resignation in a statement, saying he could "no longer continue in good conscience".
Moments later, Mr Sunak also announced he was quitting.
Both had formerly publicly supported Mr Johnson during months of scandal over his government's conduct and a damning report into parties at his Downing Street office and residence that broke strict COVID-19 lockdown rules.
The two resignations were followed later on Tuesday evening by the resignations of three junior ministers and Mr Johnson's trade envoy for Morocco.
Mr Sunak, who had reportedly clashed with the prime minister in private about spending, said: "For me to step down as Chancellor while the world is suffering the economic consequences of the pandemic, the war in Ukraine and other serious challenges is a decision that I have not taken lightly."
"However, the public rightly expect government to be conducted properly, competently and seriously.
"I recognise this may be my last ministerial job, but I believe these standards are worth fighting for and that is why I am resigning."
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said "standards are worth fighting for".(Picture: Heathcliff O'Malley/The Daily Telegraph via AP)
Mr Javid said many MPs and the public had lost confidence in Mr Johnson's ability to govern in the national interest.
"I regret to say, however, that it is clear to me that this situation will not change under your leadership — and you have therefore lost my confidence too," Mr Javid said in his resignation letter.
In separate letters to Mr Sunak and Mr Javid, the Prime Minister said he would miss working with them.
He thanked Mr Sunak for his "outstanding service to the country through the most challenging period for our economy in peacetime history" and said he was looking forward to Mr Javid's "contribution from the backbenches".
Other cabinet ministers threw their support behind Mr Johnson, with Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, Home Secretary Priti Patel and Justice Secretary Dominic Raab all indicating they would stay in government.
He also received support from Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries, who said Mr Johnson "consistently gets all the big decisions right".
Opposition Leader Sir Keir Starmer said it was "clear that this government is now collapsing".
"Tory cabinet ministers have known all along who this Prime Minister is," the Labour leader said.
"They have been his cheerleaders throughout this sorry saga.
"The British public will not be fooled," adding that only a change in government would give Britain a fresh start.
'It was a mistake and I apologise it'
Mr Javid said many MPs and the public had lost confidence in Mr Johnson's ability to govern in the national interest.
"I regret to say, however, that it is clear to me that this situation will not change under your leadership — and you have therefore lost my confidence too," Mr Javid said in his resignation letter.
In separate letters to Mr Sunak and Mr Javid, the Prime Minister said he would miss working with them.
He thanked Mr Sunak for his "outstanding service to the country through the most challenging period for our economy in peacetime history" and said he was looking forward to Mr Javid's "contribution from the backbenches".
Other cabinet ministers threw their support behind Mr Johnson, with Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, Home Secretary Priti Patel and Justice Secretary Dominic Raab all indicating they would stay in government.
He also received support from Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries, who said Mr Johnson "consistently gets all the big decisions right".
Opposition Leader Sir Keir Starmer said it was "clear that this government is now collapsing".
"Tory cabinet ministers have known all along who this Prime Minister is," the Labour leader said.
"They have been his cheerleaders throughout this sorry saga.
"The British public will not be fooled," adding that only a change in government would give Britain a fresh start.
'It was a mistake and I apologise it'
Boris Johnson apologises for appointing an MP accused of assault. (Image: AP)
The latest drama to befall Mr Johnson involves his appointment of Conservative MP Chris Pincher to the position of deputy chief whip despite knowing there had been accusations of sexual misconduct made against him.
Mr Pincher quit his role in disgrace last Thursday amid fresh allegations that he groped two male guests at a members-only club in London while drunk.
He said in a resignation letter that he had drunk too much, embarrassed himself and "caused upset".
For several days, Downing Street and government ministers told the media Mr Johnson was unaware of past allegations against Mr Pincher.
It came to a head on Tuesday morning when a former top Foreign Office official accused Mr Johnson's office of lying about what the Prime Minister knew about the complaints.
By Tuesday evening, a contrite Mr Johnson was apologising for appointing Mr Pincher to his government.
"I think it was a mistake and I apologise for it," he said.
"I think in hindsight it was the wrong thing to do.
"I apologise to everybody who's been badly affected by it and I just want to make absolutely clear that there's no place in this government for anybody who is predatory or who abuses their position of power."
Johnson on unsteady ground
The resignations of Mr Javid and Mr Sunak, two of the government's most senior cabinet ministers, came just a month after Mr Johnson survived a confidence vote by Conservative MPs in the wake of the "partygate" scandal.
The scandal saw revelations that staff at Downing Street held boozy parties throughout the COVID-19 pandemic that flouted restrictions put in place by Mr Johnson's government, and even saw the Prime Minister himself issued a fine by police for attending one.
How much longer can Boris Johnson last as British PM?
The latest drama to befall Mr Johnson involves his appointment of Conservative MP Chris Pincher to the position of deputy chief whip despite knowing there had been accusations of sexual misconduct made against him.
Mr Pincher quit his role in disgrace last Thursday amid fresh allegations that he groped two male guests at a members-only club in London while drunk.
He said in a resignation letter that he had drunk too much, embarrassed himself and "caused upset".
For several days, Downing Street and government ministers told the media Mr Johnson was unaware of past allegations against Mr Pincher.
It came to a head on Tuesday morning when a former top Foreign Office official accused Mr Johnson's office of lying about what the Prime Minister knew about the complaints.
By Tuesday evening, a contrite Mr Johnson was apologising for appointing Mr Pincher to his government.
"I think it was a mistake and I apologise for it," he said.
"I think in hindsight it was the wrong thing to do.
"I apologise to everybody who's been badly affected by it and I just want to make absolutely clear that there's no place in this government for anybody who is predatory or who abuses their position of power."
Johnson on unsteady ground
The resignations of Mr Javid and Mr Sunak, two of the government's most senior cabinet ministers, came just a month after Mr Johnson survived a confidence vote by Conservative MPs in the wake of the "partygate" scandal.
The scandal saw revelations that staff at Downing Street held boozy parties throughout the COVID-19 pandemic that flouted restrictions put in place by Mr Johnson's government, and even saw the Prime Minister himself issued a fine by police for attending one.
How much longer can Boris Johnson last as British PM?
Mr Johnson won the June internal poll 211 to 148, but his 59 per cent share of the vote was less than the 63 per cent achieved by his predecessor Theresa May in her confidence vote of December 2018.
She was replaced seven months later.
The result meant he cannot face another no-confidence vote for a year, although Conservative backbenchers are agitating at changing the rules to allow one sooner, potentially before parliament goes into summer recess on July 21.
Conservative MP Andrew Bridgen, a former Johnson supporter, told the BBC the Prime Minister "should do what he should have done some time ago and resign".
"If he doesn't do that, the party will have to force him out," he said.
Mark Harper, the former chief whip, echoed Mr Bridgen's calls.
"The Conservative Party still has so much to offer to our country," he tweeted.
"It's time for a fresh start."
ABC/wires
She was replaced seven months later.
The result meant he cannot face another no-confidence vote for a year, although Conservative backbenchers are agitating at changing the rules to allow one sooner, potentially before parliament goes into summer recess on July 21.
Conservative MP Andrew Bridgen, a former Johnson supporter, told the BBC the Prime Minister "should do what he should have done some time ago and resign".
"If he doesn't do that, the party will have to force him out," he said.
Mark Harper, the former chief whip, echoed Mr Bridgen's calls.
"The Conservative Party still has so much to offer to our country," he tweeted.
"It's time for a fresh start."
ABC/wires
Read Sajid Javid and Rishi Sunak's shock resignation letters in full
Two of Prime Minister Boris Johnson's senior ministers resigned this evening
Sajid Javid tweeted out his resignation letter as Health Secretary after 6pm
Shortly after Rishi Sunak also resigned from as Chancellor of the Exchequer
Boris Johnson news live: Follow all the latest updates on today's dramatic events
By MATT POWELL FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 5 July 2022
Sajid Javid and Rishi Sunak both announced their resignations within 10 minutes of each other this evening.
The former Secretary of State for Health & Social Care said the job was 'an enormous privilege' but that he could 'no longer continue in good conscience'.
While the former Chancellor of the Exchequer said the public 'rightly expect government to be conducted properly, competently and seriously' and that it may be his 'last ministerial job'.
Read their resignation letters below in full:
Sajid Javid and Rishi Sunak, two of Boris Johnson's most senior ministers, have both resigned this evening
Sajid Javid resigned from his role as Health Secretary this evening
Prime Minister,
It was a privilege to have been asked to come back into Government to serve as Secretary of State for Health & Social Care at such a critical time for our country. I have given every ounce of energy to this task, and am incredibly proud of what we have achieved.
The UK has led the world in learning to live with Covid. Thanks to the amazing rollout of our booster programme, investment in treatments, and innovations in the way we deliver healthcare, the British people have enjoyed months more freedom than other comparable countries.
We have also made important strides in the recovery and reform of NHS and adult social care. The longest waiters are down by 70% and, as you know, I have been working hard on wider modernisation of the NHS. I have also developed radical new approaches to dementia, cancer and mental health, and prepared the Health Disparities White Paper which will set out plans to level up health outcomes for communities that have been left behind for too long.
Given the unprecedented scale of the challenges in health and social care, it has been my instinct to continue focusing on this important work. So it is with enormous regret that I must tell you that I can no longer, in good conscience, continue serving in this Government. I am instinctively a team player but the British people also rightly expect integrity from their Government.
The tone you set as a leader, and the values you represent, reflect on your colleagues, your party and ultimately the country. Conservatives at their best are seen as hard-headed decision-makers, guided by strong values. We may not have always been popular, but we have been competent in acting in the national interest. Sadly, in the current circumstances, the public are concluding that we are now neither. The vote of confidence last month showed that a large number of our colleagues agree. It was a moment for humility, grip and new direction. I regret to say, however, that it is clear to me that this situation will not change under your leadership - and you have therefore lost my confidence too.
It is three years since you entered Downing Street. You will forever be credited with seeing off the threat of Corbynism, and breaking the deadlock on Brexit. You have shone a very welcome light on the regional disparities in our country, an agenda that will continue to define our politics. These are commendable legacies in unprecedented times. But the country needs a strong and principled Conservative Party, and the Party is bigger than any one individual. I served you loyally and as a friend, but we all serve the country first. When made to choose between those loyalties there can only be one answer.
Finally, I would like to put on record my thanks to ministerial and departmental colleagues, my admiration for NHS and social care staff, and my love for my family who have been immensely patient in these challenging times.
Yours ever,
S. Javid
Rishi Sunak announced his resignation as Chancellor of the Exchequer shortly after
Rishi Sunak
Dear Prime Minister,
It is with deep sadness that I am writing to you to resign from the Government.
It has been an enormous privilege to serve our country as Chancellor of the Exchequer and I will always be proud of how during the pandemic we protected people's jobs and businesses through actions such as furlough.
To leave ministerial office is a serious matter at any time. For me to step down as Chancellor while the world is suffering the economic consequences of the pandemic, the war in Ukraine and other serious challenges is a decision that I have not taken lightly.
However, the public rightly expect government to be conducted properly, competently and seriously. I recognise this may be my last ministerial job, but I believe these standards are worth fighting for and that is why I am resigning.
I have been loyal to you. I backed you to become Leader of our Party and encouraged others to do so. I have served as your Chancellor with gratitude that you entrusted me with stewardship of the nation's economy and finances. Above all, I have respected the powerful mandate given to you by the British people in 2019 and how under your leadership we broke the Brexit deadlock.
That is why I have always tried to compromise in order to deliver the things you want to achieve. On those occasions where I disagreed with you privately, I have supported you publicly. That is the nature of the collective government upon which our system relies and it is particularly important that the Prime Minister and Chancellor remain united in hard times such as those we are experiencing today.
Our country is facing immense challenges. We both want a low-tax, high-growth economy, and world class public services, but this can only be responsibly delivered if we are prepared to work hard, make sacrifices and take difficult decisions.
I firmly believe the public are ready to hear that truth. Our people know that if something is too good to be true then it's not true. They need to know that whilst there is a path to a better future, it is not an easy one. In preparation for our proposed joint speech on the economy next week, it has become clear to me that our approaches are fundamentally too different.
I am sad to be leaving Government but I have reluctantly come to the conclusion that we cannot continue like this.
Kind regards,
Rishi Sunak
Sajid Javid tweeted out his resignation letter as Health Secretary after 6pm
Shortly after Rishi Sunak also resigned from as Chancellor of the Exchequer
Boris Johnson news live: Follow all the latest updates on today's dramatic events
By MATT POWELL FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 5 July 2022
Sajid Javid and Rishi Sunak both announced their resignations within 10 minutes of each other this evening.
The former Secretary of State for Health & Social Care said the job was 'an enormous privilege' but that he could 'no longer continue in good conscience'.
While the former Chancellor of the Exchequer said the public 'rightly expect government to be conducted properly, competently and seriously' and that it may be his 'last ministerial job'.
Read their resignation letters below in full:
Sajid Javid and Rishi Sunak, two of Boris Johnson's most senior ministers, have both resigned this evening
Sajid Javid resigned from his role as Health Secretary this evening
Prime Minister,
It was a privilege to have been asked to come back into Government to serve as Secretary of State for Health & Social Care at such a critical time for our country. I have given every ounce of energy to this task, and am incredibly proud of what we have achieved.
The UK has led the world in learning to live with Covid. Thanks to the amazing rollout of our booster programme, investment in treatments, and innovations in the way we deliver healthcare, the British people have enjoyed months more freedom than other comparable countries.
We have also made important strides in the recovery and reform of NHS and adult social care. The longest waiters are down by 70% and, as you know, I have been working hard on wider modernisation of the NHS. I have also developed radical new approaches to dementia, cancer and mental health, and prepared the Health Disparities White Paper which will set out plans to level up health outcomes for communities that have been left behind for too long.
Given the unprecedented scale of the challenges in health and social care, it has been my instinct to continue focusing on this important work. So it is with enormous regret that I must tell you that I can no longer, in good conscience, continue serving in this Government. I am instinctively a team player but the British people also rightly expect integrity from their Government.
The tone you set as a leader, and the values you represent, reflect on your colleagues, your party and ultimately the country. Conservatives at their best are seen as hard-headed decision-makers, guided by strong values. We may not have always been popular, but we have been competent in acting in the national interest. Sadly, in the current circumstances, the public are concluding that we are now neither. The vote of confidence last month showed that a large number of our colleagues agree. It was a moment for humility, grip and new direction. I regret to say, however, that it is clear to me that this situation will not change under your leadership - and you have therefore lost my confidence too.
It is three years since you entered Downing Street. You will forever be credited with seeing off the threat of Corbynism, and breaking the deadlock on Brexit. You have shone a very welcome light on the regional disparities in our country, an agenda that will continue to define our politics. These are commendable legacies in unprecedented times. But the country needs a strong and principled Conservative Party, and the Party is bigger than any one individual. I served you loyally and as a friend, but we all serve the country first. When made to choose between those loyalties there can only be one answer.
Finally, I would like to put on record my thanks to ministerial and departmental colleagues, my admiration for NHS and social care staff, and my love for my family who have been immensely patient in these challenging times.
Yours ever,
S. Javid
Rishi Sunak announced his resignation as Chancellor of the Exchequer shortly after
Rishi Sunak
Dear Prime Minister,
It is with deep sadness that I am writing to you to resign from the Government.
It has been an enormous privilege to serve our country as Chancellor of the Exchequer and I will always be proud of how during the pandemic we protected people's jobs and businesses through actions such as furlough.
To leave ministerial office is a serious matter at any time. For me to step down as Chancellor while the world is suffering the economic consequences of the pandemic, the war in Ukraine and other serious challenges is a decision that I have not taken lightly.
However, the public rightly expect government to be conducted properly, competently and seriously. I recognise this may be my last ministerial job, but I believe these standards are worth fighting for and that is why I am resigning.
I have been loyal to you. I backed you to become Leader of our Party and encouraged others to do so. I have served as your Chancellor with gratitude that you entrusted me with stewardship of the nation's economy and finances. Above all, I have respected the powerful mandate given to you by the British people in 2019 and how under your leadership we broke the Brexit deadlock.
That is why I have always tried to compromise in order to deliver the things you want to achieve. On those occasions where I disagreed with you privately, I have supported you publicly. That is the nature of the collective government upon which our system relies and it is particularly important that the Prime Minister and Chancellor remain united in hard times such as those we are experiencing today.
Our country is facing immense challenges. We both want a low-tax, high-growth economy, and world class public services, but this can only be responsibly delivered if we are prepared to work hard, make sacrifices and take difficult decisions.
I firmly believe the public are ready to hear that truth. Our people know that if something is too good to be true then it's not true. They need to know that whilst there is a path to a better future, it is not an easy one. In preparation for our proposed joint speech on the economy next week, it has become clear to me that our approaches are fundamentally too different.
I am sad to be leaving Government but I have reluctantly come to the conclusion that we cannot continue like this.
Kind regards,
Rishi Sunak
Hitchin MP Bim Afolami sensationally quits prominent Tory role live on TV as pressure mounts on Boris Johnson
By Layth Yousif
5th Jul 2022 10:34 pm | Local News
Hitchin MP Bim Afolami sensationally quit his prominent party role live on TV on Tuesday evening. PICTURE: Bim Afolami quits live on air.
By Layth Yousif
5th Jul 2022 10:34 pm | Local News
Hitchin MP Bim Afolami sensationally quit his prominent party role live on TV on Tuesday evening. PICTURE: Bim Afolami quits live on air.
CREDIT: Talk TV
Hitchin MP Bim Afolami sensationally quit his prominent party role live on TV on Tuesday evening.
Our town's Parliamentarian heaped more pressure on beleaguered PM Boris Johnson by resigning from his position as Tory party vice chair on Talk TV.
Eton-educated Afolami, who had continually sided with Johnson over the course of his premiership - including the recent leadership vote and in an exclusive interview with Hitchin Nub News last week, puzzlingly reversed his position, to desert the under-fire Conservative leader, saying the 58-year-old no longer has the support of the country.
Speaking to Talk TV, Afolami claimed: "I can't serve under the Prime Minister, " adding, "'[Johnson doesn't have] the support of the party, or indeed the country any more."
Afolami's comments came moments after the PM suffered another destructive blow with the resignations of the chancellor Rishi Sunak and health secretary Sajid Javid.
Afolami joined a chorus of other senior MPs who quit their jobs in the government, calling on the prime minister to step down - something Afolami had steadfastly refused to do - until now.
Hitchin MP Bim Afolami sensationally quit his prominent party role live on TV on Tuesday evening.
Our town's Parliamentarian heaped more pressure on beleaguered PM Boris Johnson by resigning from his position as Tory party vice chair on Talk TV.
Eton-educated Afolami, who had continually sided with Johnson over the course of his premiership - including the recent leadership vote and in an exclusive interview with Hitchin Nub News last week, puzzlingly reversed his position, to desert the under-fire Conservative leader, saying the 58-year-old no longer has the support of the country.
Speaking to Talk TV, Afolami claimed: "I can't serve under the Prime Minister, " adding, "'[Johnson doesn't have] the support of the party, or indeed the country any more."
Afolami's comments came moments after the PM suffered another destructive blow with the resignations of the chancellor Rishi Sunak and health secretary Sajid Javid.
Afolami joined a chorus of other senior MPs who quit their jobs in the government, calling on the prime minister to step down - something Afolami had steadfastly refused to do - until now.
