Rishi Sunak and Sajid Javid both resign from Ministerial roles, say public expect “integrity” from Government.

Rishi Sunak has in the last half an hour resigned from his position as Chancellor of the Exchequer, and Sajid Javid from his position as Health Secretary. The resignations come as Prime Minister Boris Johnson faces both public and party pressure to resign after a year filled with scandal.

In his letter of resignation, Sunak stated:

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 worthfighting for and that is why I am resigning.

Mr Sunak also spoke about having an approach to change that was too “fundamentally different” from Johnson for them to continue working together.

Mr Javid referenced the Vote of No Confidence that the Prime Minister survived last month, saying that he no longer has confidence in his leadership. He said:

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.

Prime Minister Johnson is currently facing allegations that he appointed Chris Pincher to the role of Deputy Chief Whip of the Conservative Party despite being aware that Mr Pincher had been investigated for inappropriate behaviour in 2019. This came after Number 10 denied for days that the Prime Minister had any knowledge of the allegations, or investigations. Mr Pincher resigned his post last week after reports he groped two men on a night out emerged. The Prime Minister has today apologised for appointing Mr Pincher, saying it  "was a mistake" and "in hindsight the wrong thing to do.”

This is just the latest in a long list of scandal that has plagued Mr Johnson’s last year. From his attendance at numerous lockdown breaking parties, asking for donor funds to do up his flat, numerous MPs being accused of, or caught engaging in sexual misconduct, assault, or rape, to suggestions he tried to get a top foreign office job for then girlfriend, now wife, Carrie Johnson.

The Prime Minister’s leadership has been hanging by a thread for some time now, but these resignations are sure to come as quite the blow.