Two of Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s top advisers have resigned after accusations that the government lied about the prime minister’s knowledge of sexual misconduct by former Conservative MP Christopher Pincher, whom Johnson promoted to deputy whip despite being aware of such allegations.
Possibly spelling the end of Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government, both Health Minister Sajid Javid and Treasury Secretary Rishi Sunak have both submitted letters of resignation in the wake of the growing scandal involving former Deputy Prime Minister Christopher Pincher – who has been accused of sexually inappropriate behavior against two people. Guys – and Johnson’s decision to promote MP despite knowing similar charges in 2019.
Javid, who previously stood against Boris Johnson in the Conservative leadership contest in 2019 after the fall of former Prime Minister Theresa May, said he had lost faith in Johnson as prime minister.
“It has been an honor to have been asked to return to the government to serve as Secretary of State for Health and Social Welfare at such a critical time for our country,” Mr Javid wrote.
“we [Conservative party] We may not have always been popular, but we were qualified to act in the national interest. Unfortunately, under the present circumstances, the public concludes that we are not now.
The vote of confidence last month showed that a good number of our colleagues agree.
“I regret to say, however, that it is clear to me that this situation will not change under your leadership, and therefore I have lost my confidence as well.”
I have spoken to the Prime Minister to tender my resignation as Secretary of State for Health and Social Welfare.
It was a great privilege to be working in this role, but I am sorry that I can no longer continue in good conscience. pic.twitter.com/d5RBFGPqXp
– Sajid Javid (@sajidjavid) 5 July 2022
After Javid was quickly announced, Rishi Sunak, who had succeeded Javid as Treasury Secretary, issued his own letter of resignation.
The former hedge fund banker said in his letter that “the public rightly expects the government to be run properly, efficiently and seriously”.
“I think these standards are worth fighting for and that’s why I’m resigning.”
I think publicly the public is ready to hear this fact. Our people know that if something is too good to be true, it is not true. They need to know that while there is a path to a better future, it is not an easy road.
“In preparation for our proposed joint address on the economy next week, it has become clear to me that our approaches are fundamentally very different.”
“I am sad to leave the government but I have reluctantly come to the conclusion that we cannot continue like this.”
Resignations come after Downing Street He confessed That the prime minister was made aware of sexually inappropriate behavior by Representative Christopher Pincher, despite the government’s earlier denials. Number 10 claimed that Johnson had forgotten the allegations against Pincher.
The public rightly expects the government to be run properly, efficiently and seriously.
I realize this might be my last ministerial job, but I think these standards are worth striving for and that’s why I’m resigning.
My letter to the Prime Minister is below. pic.twitter.com/vZ1APB1ik1
– Rishi Sunak 5 July 2022
On Tuesday afternoon, Johnson apologized for promoting Pincher to the position of Vice President Whip, say: “In hindsight, it was a mistake to do and I apologize to everyone who was deeply affected.”
“I just want to make it absolutely clear that there is no place in this government for anyone who is predatory or abuses their position of power,” he added.
As Mr Johnson survived a vote of confidence from within his own party last month, which under the rules of a 1922 committee of Conservative MPs in the House of Representatives would prevent another vote on his leadership for one year, some MPs have called for a rule change to allow another impeachment attempt. Ministers.
However, it is possible, with both Javid and Sunak’s resignations, that the Prime Minister could be forced to resign without such a fight within the House of Commons.
Commenting on the resignations of two senior Cabinet members, Nigel Farage said: “Finally, we have someone in the Cabinet who believes in decency.
Brexit leader, who earlier today called the Conservative Party to Johnson ditch In order to save their political future, he reiterated his view that “the whole government, under this leader, is built on lies.
Follow Kurt Zindulka on Twitter here Tweet embed
