Rishi Sunak and Sajid Javid have dramatically resigned from the cabinet in what appeared to be a coordinated move, throwing the prime minister’s future in doubt.
Boris Johnson apologised on Tuesday evening, for appointing Chris Pincher as deputy chief whip, despite belatedly admitting having known that Pincher was found to have behaved inappropriately in 2019.
In their resignation letters, both men pointed to a lack of grip in Downing Street, with Sunak saying the public expected government to be conducted, “properly, competently and seriously”.
The double blow to Johnson’s authority followed an extraordinary intervention from former Foreign Office permanent secretary Simon McDonald, who made clear Johnson had been briefed about an investigation into Pincher in 2019.
Cabinet minister Michael Ellis told shocked MPs that Johnson “did not immediately recall”, that he had previously been informed about an investigation into Pincher, who resigned on Friday evening after admitting getting drunk, and being accused of groping young men. » | Heather Stewart, Political editor | Tuesday, July 5, 2022
Rishi Sunak and Sajid Javid’s resignation letters in full: Read chancellor and health secretary’s full letters explaining why they are leaving cabinet »
Reality is finally dawning on the cabinet: Boris Johnson is NOT your friend: Rishi Sunak and Sajid Javid have decided they’re finally done with 2022’s full-scale debasement of public life. Who’s next? »
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