Sajid Javid and Rishi Sunak have both resigned from Government in the UK in an extraordinary blow to Boris Johnson 's premiership.
The Health Secretary made the bombshell move as Tory anger mounted over the Prime Minister's handling of the Chris Pincher saga.
Moments later, Chancellor Rishi Sunak also announced he was also quitting - in what appeared to be an organised attempt to oust Mr Johnson.
Their departures could be a fatal blow to the scandal-hit Prime Minister, who is fighting for his political life once more.
Mr Johnson had been battling mounting Tory anger after it emerged he was told about a complaint made against Mr Pincher in 2019 - despite No10 initially saying he was unaware.
Downing Street then admitted Mr Johnson did know but claimed he had forgotten.
In a letter posted on Twitter, Mr Javid said: "Given the unprecedented scale of the challenges in health and social care, it has been my instinct to continue focusing on this important work.
"So it is with most enormous regret that I must tell you that I can no longer, in good conscience, continue serving in this government."
Mr Sunak said he had not taken the decision to step down lightly as Britain grapples with the cost of living crisis and the war in Ukraine.
But he added: "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 worth fighting for and that is why I am resigning."
He added: "I am sad to be leaving Government but I have reluctantly come to the conclusion that we cannot continue like this."
READ NEXT:
- Mother of Jack Keating responds after some nasty comments from Love Island viewers
- Woman discovers 'game-changing' button at petrol pump that fills exact amount of fuel
- Gerry Ryan's Dublin family home finally sold two years on for over €400,000 less than initial asking price
- Ryanair luggage rules: Irishwoman finds cheap Dealz item to 'get away with' not paying extra for bag
- Seven reasons why some people have never caught Covid, according to an expert
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter .
