"you have therefore lost my confidence too."
Both Rishi Sunak and Sajid Javid have resigned from Boris Johnson’s government.
The pair’s resignations came shortly after the Prime Minister admitted that he made a mistake in appointing MP Chris Pincher as deputy chief whip in February 2022 after it was alleged that the MP groped two men.
Health Secretary Mr Javid resigned, saying that the country needs a “strong and principled Conservative party”.
In his letter to Mr Johnson, Mr Javid said he could “no longer, in good conscience, continue serving in this government”.
Mr Javid referenced the PM’s tones and values reflecting “on your colleagues, your party and ultimately the country”.
I have spoken to the Prime Minister to tender my resignation as Secretary of State for Health & Social Care.
It has been an enormous privilege to serve in this role, but I regret that I can no longer continue in good conscience. pic.twitter.com/d5RBFGPqXp
— Sajid Javid (@sajidjavid) July 5, 2022
He added in his letter: “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.”
Moments later, Chancellor Rishi Sunak quit and tweeted:
“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.”
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.
My letter to the Prime Minister below. pic.twitter.com/vZ1APB1ik1
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) July 5, 2022
As the second most senior government figure, Mr Sunak’s resignation is a huge blow to the Prime Minister.
The two resignations come just two weeks after two by-election defeats prompted calls for cabinet ministers to mount a coup against Boris Johnson.
On numerous occasions, Boris Johnson has faced calls to quit as Prime Minister, however, he stated that he will not go.
But according to Oxford MP Layla Moran, the resignations of two senior cabinet members may be “the beginning of the end” for the PM.
In a statement, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said:
“After all the sleaze, the scandals and the failure, it’s clear that this Government is now collapsing. Tory cabinet ministers have known all along who this Prime Minister is.
“They have been his cheerleaders throughout this sorry saga: – backing him when he broke the law – backing him when he lied repeatedly – backing him when he mocked the sacrifices of the British people.
“In doing so, they have been complicit every step of the way as he has disgraced his office and let down his country.
“If they had a shred of integrity they would have gone months ago.
“The British public will not be fooled. The Tory party is corrupted and changing one man won’t fix that.
“Only a real change of government can give Britain the fresh start it needs.”
It is believed that Rishi Sunak and Sajid Javid had not coordinated their resignation.
But Mr Sunak may have already been preparing to quit and was prompted to do so by Mr Javid’s announcement.
Following their resignations, several cabinet ministers said they will not be doing so.
They include: Justice Secretary Dominic Raab, Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng, Home Secretary Priti Patel, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, and International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan.
Later on July 5, 2022, Boris Johnson named Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi as the new Chancellor. Michelle Donelan takes over as Education Secretary.
Downing Street has also confirmed that Steve Barclay will be replacing Sajid Javid.
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