Boris Johnson has been dealt another blow with the departure of four key aides from Downing Street in a sign that his days as Prime Minister may be numbered.
The top civil servant who organised a “bring your own booze” party in Downing Street during lockdown has quit Number 10.
Martin Reynolds, the principal private secretary to Boris Johnson, is one of four senior aides to in another day of disasters for the the Prime Minister.
Reynolds was followed out the door by Downing Street chief of staff Dan Rosenfield, who was also forced out as the Johnson carried out a major shake-up of the Number 10 operation promised after the Sue Gray report on lockdown breaches.
But the nightmare on Downing Street started with the resignation of Munira Mirza, Johnson’s policy chief, who dramatically resigned on Thursday afternoon.
She walked out after Johnson only managed a half-apology for his slur on Keir Starmer with the false claim that Labour leader did not prosecute child abuser Jimmy Savile while he was director of public prosecutions.
After that Downing Street’s director of communications Jack Doyle left citing family reasons for quitting.
A No.10 spokesperson said: “Dan Rosenfield offered his resignation to the prime minister earlier today, which has been accepted
“Martin Reynolds also informed the prime minister of his intention to stand down from his role as principal private secretary and the prime minister has agreed to this.
“He has thanked them both for their significant contribution to government and No 10, including work on the pandemic response and economic recovery.
“They will continue in their roles while successors are appointed, and recruitment for both posts is underway.”
Rishi Sunak has cut Boris Johnson adrift on his slur against Labour’s Keir Starmer.
Earlier the chancellor Rishi Sunak cut Johnson adrift by refusing to excuse the Prime Minister for the false accusation that he had failed to prosecute Jimmy Savile during his time running the Crown Prosecution Service.
Speaking at a Treasury press conference, Sunak said: “With regard to the comments, being honest, I wouldn’t have said it and I’m glad that the Prime Minister clarified what he meant.”
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