Boris Johnson's future as Prime Minister was severely rocked on Tuesday, July 5, by a series of resignations from within his party, with two of the most damaging exits coming from within Cabinet.
The resignations followed Mr Johnson's apology for appointing former deputy Chief Whip Chris Pincher to a top role, despite admitting he was aware of a complaint against him. In total, so far, seventeen Conservative MPs have resigned, all with scathing letters undermining the Prime Minister's competency.
By 10pm on Wednesday (July 6), a total of 43 Tory MPs had resigned their roles across a range of different departments. Michael Gove was sacked, making him the 40th person to leave Government. By 7am on Thursday (July 7) that had risen to 48.
While replacements are already underway, with a Cabinet reshuffle taking place in the late hours of Tuesday, there are questions as to how much longer Boris Johnson can remain at Number 10.
Here's who has left so far:
Cabinet ministers
- Rishi Sunak, Chancellor
- Sajid Javid, Health Secretary
- Michael Gove, Housing Secretary - sacked
- Simon Hart, Wales Secretary
- Brandon Lewis, Northern Ireland Secretary
Ministers
- Rachel Maclean, Home Office minister
- Will Quince, children's minister
- Julia Lopez, culture minister
- Lee Rowley, business minister
- Alex Burghart, education minister
- Neil O'Brien, levelling up minister
- Kemi Badenoch, local government minister
- Mims Davies, employment minister
- Alex Chalk, solicitor general
- John Glen, treasury minister
- Victoria Atkins, justice minister
- Robin Walker, education minister
- Jo Churchill, Defra minister
- Stuart Andrew, housing minister
Mike Feer. exports and equalities
Helen Whately, city minister
Damian Hinds, security minister
George Freeman, science minister
Guy Opperman, pensions minister
Chris Philp, technology minister
James Cartlidge, courts' minister
Private Secretaries
- David Johnson
- Claire Coutinho
- Selaine Saxby
- Laura Trott
- Jonathan Gullis
- Saqib Bhatti
- Nicola Richards
- Virginia Crosbie
- Felicity Buchan
- Craig WIlliams
Duncan Baker
Peter Gibson
Mark Fletcher
Ruth Edwards
Sara Britcliffe
Mark Logan
James Sunderland
Jacob Young
James Daly
Danny Kruger
James Davies
Gareth Davies
Others
- Bim Afolami, vice chair of the Conservative Party
- Theo Clarke, trade envoy to Kenya
- Andrew Murrison, trade envoy to Morocco
- David Duguid, trade enjoy to Angola and Zambia/Fisheries Envoy
David Mundell UK trade envoy to New Zealand
This is what they've said
The Cabinet Ministers
Sajid Javid, Health Secretary
MP Sajid Javid was the first to resign. In his letter he wrote: "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."
He continued by saying that Mr Johnson had had success in the past, however, the country needed a "strong and principled Conservative party", and that, while loyal to the Prime Minister as a friend, when choosing between loyalty to that friendship and the country, he must choose the latter.
Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer
In an alleged un-coordinated exit, just minutes after the Health Secretary's resignation, Mr Sunak also quit. He said: "To leave ministerial office is a serious matter at any time. 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 worth fighting for and that is why I am resigning."
He continued by writing that it is through his respect for the Prime Minister in breaking the Brexit Deadlock and his loyalty as a member of Cabinet, that he had "always tried to compromise in order to deliver the things you want to achieve." He added that in times he privately disagreed with Mr Johnson, he continued to publically support him.
However, he wrote: "In preparation for our proposed joint speech on the economy next week, it has become clear to me that our approaches are fundamentally too different. I am sad to be leaving Government but I have reluctantly come to the conclusion that we cannot continue like this."
Simon Hart, Wales Secretary
In his resignation letter shared on Twitter on Wednesday night, the MP for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire said: "I had desperately hoped that I could avoid writing this letter, but alas there seems no other option left but to step down from my role as Secretary of State for Wales.
"You will be remembered as a Prime Minister with energy, vision, determination and humour. There was never a dull moment as a Minister in your Government, and I will be forever grateful to have been given the chance to be part of it.
"I have never been a massive fan of Ministerial resignations being the best means of forcing change. Colleagues have done their upmost in private and public to help you turn the ship around, but it is with sadness that I feel we have passed the point where this is possible."
Brandon Lewis, Northern Ireland Secretary
He told the Prime Minister in a resignation letter on Thursday (July 7) that he had "given you, and those around you, the benefit of the doubt".
"I have gone out and defended this Government both publicly and privately," the Northern Ireland Secretary told Boris Johnson in his resignation letter.
"We are, however, now past the point of no return. I cannot sacrifice my personal integrity to defend things as they stand now. It is clear that our Party, parliamentary colleagues, volunteers and the whole country, deserve better."
What the others have said:
Andrew Murrison, Trade Envoy to Morocco
The MP for South West Wiltshire resigned as Trade Envoy to Morroco. He wrote: "The last straw in the rolling chaos of the past six months has been the unavoidable implication of Lord McDonald's letter to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards this morning.
"Others must square, as best they can, their continuing enjoyment of your patronage with their personal sense of decency, honour and integrity but I no longer can."
He added: "Your position has become unrecoverable. I strongly urge you to resign."
Bim Afolami, Vice Chairman of the Conservative Party
The MP for Hitchin and Harpenden resigned from his position live on air with Talk TV, stating he could not serve under the Prime Minister. He said: "I just don't think the Prime Minister any longer has, not just my support, but he doesn't have, I don't think, the support of the party, or indeed the country anymore."
Jonathan Gullis, Private Secretary to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
The MP for Stoke On Trent North said: "I feel for too long we have been more focused on dealing with our reputational damage rather than delivering for the people of this country and spreading opportunity for all, which is why I came into politics. It is for this reason I can no longer to serve as part of your government."
Saqib Bhatti, Parliamentary Private Secretary
The MP for Meriden said: "The Conservative party has always been the party of integrity and honour but recent events have undermined trust and standards in public life. It is for this reason that sadly, I must resign."
In his letter he wrote: "The Conservative and Unionist Party has always been the party of integrity and honour. I feel that standards in public life are of the utmost importance, and the events of the past few months have undermined public trust in all of us.
"I have been grappling with these issues for some time and my conscience will not allow me to continue to support this administration. It is for this reason I must tender my resignation."
Nicola Richards, Secretary of State for Transport
The MP for West Bromwich East said the Conservative Party had become "unrecognisable" and that chance was needed. She wrote: "At a time when my constituents are worried about the cost of living and I am doing my best to support them, I cannot bring myself to serve as a PPS under the current circumstances, where the focus is skewed by poor judgment that I don't wish to be associated with.
"I am loyal to my constituents and will always put them first. I am also loyal to the Conservative Party, which is currently unrecognisable to me. I believe something must change."
Virginia Crosby, Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Welsh Office
The MP for Ynys Môn wrote: "I am forced to say that the sheer number of allegations of impropriety and illegality - many of them centred around Downing Street and your Premiership - is quite simply making your position untenable.
"I am of the view that if you continue in office then you risk irrevocably harming this government, and the Conservative party and will hand the keys of Downing Street to a Labour Party unfit to govern.
"The inaccurate and contradictory statements over what you knew about the former Deputy Chief Whip's conduct before you appointed him was the last straw. I cannot continue to defend your actions to my Ynys Môn constituents who are rightly very angry.
"Like others, I have given you the benefit of the doubt on many occasions. This was in the hope you would gain control of the situation. However, I believe the situation is becoming worse I have no idea what is happening at Downing Street but it appears you are either badly advised or unable to change or reform the dysfunctional operation at the centre of the government you lead."
Alex Chalk, Solicitor General
The MP for Cheltenham said he could not "defend the indefensible" in his letter of resignation. He wrote: "The cumulative effect of the Owen Paterson debacle, Partygate and now the handling of the former Deputy Chief Whip's resignation, is that public confidence in the ability of Number 10 to uphold the standards of candour expected of a British Government has irretrievably broken down.
"I regret that I share that judgement. This comes at a moment of intense challenge for our country, when trust in government can rarely have been more important. I'm afraid the time has therefore come for fresh leadership."
Theodora Clarke, Trade Envoy to Kenya
The Mp for Stafford wrote: said she has "no confidence" in Boris Johnson's leadership. She wrote: "As one of the PArty's new female MPs and a member of the Women and Equalities Select Committee, I take allegations of sexual misconduct very seriously. To learn that you chose to elevate a colleague to a position of pastoral care for MPs, whilst in the full knowledge of his own wrongdoing, shows a severe lack of judgement and care for your Parliamentary party.
"I was shocked to see colleagues defending the Government with assurances that turned out to be false. This is not the way that any responsible Government should act."
Laura Trott, Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Department for Transport
The MP for Sevenoaks and Swanley has resigned. Posting on her Facebook page, she wrote: "Trust in politics is - and must always be - of the upmost importance, but sadly in recent months this has been lost."
Will Quince, Minister for Children and Families
The MP for Colchester wrote: "With great sadness and regret, I have this morning tendered my resignation to the Prime Minister after I accepted and repeated assurances on Monday to the media which have now been found to be inaccurate."
In his letter of resignation, he said: "Reaching this decision has not been easy. Stepping away from the job I love where we are working every day to improve the chances of vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people up and down our country, pains me greatly."
Robin Walker, Minister of State for School Standards
MP for Worcester Robin Walker has quit as Minister of State for School Standards. He said "Recent events have made it clear to me that our great party, for which I have campaigned all of my adult life, has become distracted from its core missions by a relentless focus on questions over leadership.
"The loss of the Rishi Sunak and the Sajid Javid this week, two of our brightest talents from the top team, reflects a worrying narrowing of the broad church that I believe any Conservative Government should seek to achieve."
He continued: "You won the confidence of your colleagues just a few weeks ago but the events and revelations since have undermined this. I have publically supported you as the leader of our party and Prime Minister but I am afraid I feel I can do so no longer, and although I cannot think of a better or more rewarding job than the one I have been doing, I cannot in good conscience continue to serve in your Government."
Robert Halfon, Chair of the Education Select Committee
The MP of Harlow and The Villages stated on May 26, 2022 "If governance does not improve, I will have reached the end of the road." He has now shared his no-confidence vote in the Prime Minister.
He said: "I feel that the public have been misled about the appointment of the former Deputy Chief Whip. The parties at Number 10 Downing Street were bad enough, but the appointment of this individual and the untruthful statements about what was known is unacceptable to me.
"I gave the Prime Minister the benefit of the doubt before. I saw the Prime Minister in January and urged him to return to being the Prime Minister that people voted for in 2019. This has not happened. I can't bring myself to do this again and refuse to do so."
He added: "Government is not working for most people, whether it is GP services or getting a Passport. Millions are still struggling with the cost of living. Much policy delivery is a mirage. There is little trust in the Prime Minister. For this reason, if there is a vote for a change in leadership, I will now vote for that change."
Lee Anderson, MP for Ashfield
Conservative MP for Ashfield Lee Anderson has withdrawn his support for the Prime Minister via a post on his Facebook page. He said: "I have remained loyal to the Prime Minister since being elected in 2019. However my position has changed over the past few days since the incident which led to the Deputy Chief Whip losing the party whip.
"It has come to light that the PM was made aware of a complaint in the past in relation to Mr Pinchers inappropriate behaviour but then went on to promote Mr Pincher to Deputy Chief Whip which is a position of immense power within Government and a role that should look after the interests of Government and the welfare of MPs.
"It is quite obvious this was not a good appointment and to make matters worse number 10 did not act quick enough in removing the whip after Mr Pincher resigned. There was then a denial that the PM had been informed of Mr Pinchers previous behaviour but after a former senior civil servant challenged this claim number 10 then stated the PM had forgotten he had be told.
"I cannot look myself in the mirror and accept this. It is my belief that our PM has got all the big decisions right and guided us through the most difficult time in my life time and I have always backed him to the hilt. That said integrity should always come first and sadly this has not been the case over the past few days.
"I do not hold a position I can resign from so the only thing I can do is make my feelings known to my constituents and party members. This statement may upset some people and I am sure some people will be delighted with the demise of our PM but I have a job to do and I must do it with a clear conscience."
John Glen, Economic Secretary to the Treasury
The MP for Salisbury said the Prime Minister's "poor judgement" has made it impossible to continue in the role. He said, "I can no longer reconcile my commitment to the role and to the financial services sector with the complete lack of confidence I have in your continuing leadership of our country."
He added: "Recent events concerning the handling of the appointment of the former Deputy Chief Whip, and the poor judgement you have shown, have made it impossible for me to square continued service with my conscience.
"The country deserves better and I just return to the backbenchers to dedicate myself to the service of the people of Salisbury and South Wiltshire."
Felicity Buchan, Parliamentary Private Secretary in the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
The Kensington MP said: "It is with great sadness that I tender my resignation as a Parliamentary Private Secretary in the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
"I am afraid that you have lost the confidence of my constituents and me. The current situation is untenable. I believe passionately in Conservative values and want to ensure that we are implementing Conservative policies without distractions/ That requires fresh leadership and it requires a new vision for the country," she added.
Tom Hunt, MP for Ipswich
The Ipswich MP has withdrawn his support for the Prime Minister in a post shared to his Facebook page. He said: "have come to the conclusion, like a large number of my colleagues, that it's in the best interests of my constituents, the country and the Conservative Party for the Prime Minister to step down. A continuation of the status quo cannot continue and, regretfully, I believe that the Prime Minister's tenure in office has run its course."
He continued: "Events of the past week have been the straw that has broken the camel's back. In a sense one of the worst things about the revelations at the Carlton Club last week was how unsurprising they were to many colleagues. I personally find it hard to believe that the Prime Minister wasn't aware of the extent of concerns about the former Deputy Chief whip. I strongly believe that the situation which occurred last week could have been avoided and I also think that the handling of it subsequently was deeply disappointing."
Victoria Atkins, Justice Minister
The MP for Louth and Horncastle said: "It is with sadness and regret that I resign as Minister of State at the Ministry of Justice. Values such as integrity, decency, respect and professionalism should matter to us all. I have watched with growing concern as those values have fractured under your leadership, through Patterson, Partygate and Pincher. I have given you the benefit of the doubt at each turn, out of loyalty to you as Prime Minister and to our great Party.
"The events of this week, however, have made these contortions impossible. The casual mistreatment of Minister Will Quince and the revelations contained in Lord McDonald's letter highlight just how far your government has fallen from these ideals. I can no longer pirouette around our fractured values.
"We can and must be better than this. This is at a time when our constituents face grave cost of living pressures not experienced for decades. These challenges demand resolute focus and we must take the country with us. We cannot provide that focus at present."
Jo Churchill, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
The MP for Bury St Edmunds has shared her resignation as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State. She wrote, "Recent events have shown integrity, competence, and judgement are all essential to the role of Prime Minister, while a jocular self-serving approach is bound to have its limitations.
"Our beloved country is facing an uncertain future and strong headwinds, a clear, self-less vision is needed. The country and party deserve better and sow ith a heavy heart I have decided to resign."
Stuart Andrew, Housing Minister
The Tory MP for Pudsey, Horsforth & Aireborough has resigned from Government. He said: "Loyalty and unity are traits that I have always endeavoured to provide for our great party. However, I fear I have let these override my judgement recently. There comes a time when you have to look at your own personal integrity and that time is now. Therefore, given recent events I have no other choice than to resign.
"Our party, particularly our members and more importantly our great country, deserve better. Having a marginal seat I have seen the huge sacrifice our members make in volunteering considerable hours to campaign on our behalf and I cannot, in all good conscience, tolerate them having to defend the indefensible."
Ministers Kemi Badenoch, Julia Lopez, Mims Davies, Lee Rowley, Neil O'Brien and Alex Burghart
They all resigned in one go just before 2.30pm, saying in a joint letter to Boris Johnson that “the Government cannot function” as they called for Boris Johnson to step down.
“It is with great regret that we are resigning as members of the Government. It has been an honour to serve in your administration and we remain extremely grateful for the opportunity you have given us to serve our country,” they wrote.
“You have had the most difficult task in a generation. We hugely admire your fortitude, stamina and enduring optimism. You can be rightly proud of the significant decisions which you have, by common acclamation, got right.
“However, it has become increasingly clear that the Government cannot function given the issues that have come to light and the way in which they have been handled. In good faith, we must ask that, for the good of the Party and the country, you step aside.”
Craig Williams, parliamentary private secretary to the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
The MP for Montgomeryshire announced on Wednesday afternoon that he is resigning as parliamentary private secretary to the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
In a letter posted to Twitter, he said: "After the recent vote of confidence, I had given my support to you, with one last benefit of the doubt. I believed it was right that we draw a line under previous events and focus on rebuilding trust with the public and focusing on delivering good policies.
"It has now become apparent over recent days, that this is becoming impossible. "It is therefore with deep regret that I resign from your Government."
Rachel Maclean, Home Office minister
The Home Office minister announced she is resigning, saying Boris Johnson must go "for the good of the country and our party".
In her letter resigning as minister for safeguarding, the MP for Redditch said recent events demonstrate that while the Prime Minister remains in office the "woefully low rate of prosecutions for sexual offences" will not improve.
She wrote: "It is with great regret that I am resigning from your Government. When you appointed me to serve in the Home Office, you tasked me - as Minister for Safeguarding - with improving the woefully low rate of prosecutions for sexual offences.
"However, I have regretfully concluded that recent events demonstrate that while you remain in office, it will not be possible to make progress with this vitally important task.
"I have defended you to the hilt to my constituents and to the public. You have been an incredible leader of our party through some very difficult times but you must now resign for the good of the country and our party. Values, principles, integrity and decency matter more than anything and I cannot continue to stand by and do nothing. I ask you now to step aside so that we can get on with the important task of serving the country and providing it with the leadership it so badly needs."
Sara Britcliffe, parliamentary private secretary at the Department for Education
The MP for Hyndburn resigned as parliamentary private secretary at the Department for Education, citing "continuous firefighting of self-inflicted issues" in the Government.
In her letter to the Prime Minister, she wrote: "It has been a great honour and privilege to have been the PPS for the Department of Education for the last 18 months. But after careful reflection, I have concluded that I cannot continue in that role and so am tendering you my resignation as a PPS. I entered politics to push the case for levelling up in my part of the world. For decades, Hyndburn and Haslingden has been ignored and overlooked by Labour. We have been taken for granted and not given the opportunities or investment which other areas have had.
"It was therefore with great pride that I stood and was elected on a manifesto to level up my area and bring prosperity to Hyndbum and Haslingden. The progress which has been made is a fantastic testament to this Government's commitment to deliver on that manifesto.
"You delivered Brexit, got us out of lockdown with a world-leading vaccine rollout, have implemented strong immigration policies and most importantly of all, put levelling up at the heart of this country's political agenda.
"However, I am afraid after much reflection, I cannot remain part of the Government as I believe the government risks becoming so subsumed in continuous firefighting of self-inflicted issues, that it will detract from our ability to deliver on this critically important agenda - and therefore it is time to draw a line.
"Thank you once again for the opportunity to learn about one of the greatest departments as a PPS."
Mark Logan, parliamentary private secretary at the Northern Ireland Office
The MP for Bolton North East, said in a letter posted to Twitter, he said: "The events over an extended period of time have not sat well with me.
"There is only so much anyone can expect my constituents to accept or ignore...It is out of respect for them, along with our dedicated Councillors, public servants and everyone who is focused on making Bolton better that I come to this decision. They deserve more from leadership."
Mike Feer. minister for exports and equalities
In his letter resigning as minister for exports and equalities, the MP for Finchley and Golders Green cited "an atmosphere of hostility for LGBT+ people".
"It is with deep regret that I must write to resign as both Minister for Exports and Minister for Equalities," he wrote.
"I have been grateful for the opportunity to create focus in exploiting our new exports markets and in working to try and improve the lives of LGBT+ people in the UK. I would also like to thank you for your personal support on many local issues since your days as Mayor of London but, also more personally in your support with my recent security issues.
"However, I feel that we are moving away from the One Nation Conservative party joined, not least in creating an atmosphere of hostility for LGBT+ people and I regret can no longer defend policies I fundamentally disagree with.
"Since my election in 2010, I have striven to work to represent my constituents with the support of my local party and members. I now feel that we have let down our constituents and our supporters.
"Representing Finchley & Golders Green, I have to ask myself what Mrs Thatcher would have done. I have decided I must prioritise the diverse constituency of Finchley & Golders Green, One Nation conservatism, as well as my passion for equalities."
Ruth Edwards, parliamentary private secretary at the Scottish Office
The Tory MP for Rushcliffe said that Boris Johnson's Government "turned a blind eye to allegations of sexual assault within its own ranks".
In her letter to the Prime Minister, Ms Edwards wrote: "I am deeply proud of everything your Government has achieved in the last two and a half years. We have delivered record investment into the East Midlands, some of the most ambitious progress towards net zero in the world, one of the fastest vaccine rollouts and shown international leadership in standing up to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Some of the work I have been most proud to support is the work by successive ministers at the Home Office and Ministry of Justice to support survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence.
"That is why I was heartbroken to learn on Wednesday that you were made aware of serious allegations of sexual assault against Chris Pincher and that, despite this, you went on to appoint him, not just to another government role, but to a role of such sensitivity, where he would deal with both vulnerable colleagues and members of staff who may have been victims of such assaults themselves.
"I know my resignation will carry little weight in the grand scheme of things. But when I leave this job, either of my own will or that of my constituents, I need to be able to do so with my self respect intact. I am deeply saddened to say that this is no longer compatible with continuing to serve in a government whose leadership has turned a blind eye to allegations of sexual assault within its own ranks.
"It has been my great privilege to work with my Secretary of State, Alister Jack, for the last two years. I have been fortunate to have been given the opportunity to learn from one of the most able, honourable and hardworking ministers in Government.
"I want to place on record my sincere thanks to you, for everything you have done to see our country through the pandemic, and for the way in which you have worked with me and my constituents to tackle important issues such as making community defibrillators more affordable. I also want to reiterate my very great sadness that things have come to this."
Mark Fletcher, parliamentary private secretary to Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
The MP for Bolsover who witnessed Chris Pincher's actions at the Carlton Club last week, described Boris Johnson's response to the incident as "crass and insensitive".
"As you are aware, early last Thursday morning I had to intervene in a very serious situation at the Carlton club involving the former deputy chief whip," he wrote in a letter to the Prime Minister. I reported the events immediately to the Chief Whip, who took appropriate action and handled the situation with superb levels of seriousness and care. On Friday, upon my raising concerns around Mr Pincher still having the whip, you and I spoke about the events that had happened on Thursday morning.
"I was reassured that shortly after our call you did the right thing and suspended the whip for Mr Pincher. However, in our conversation in the tearoom yesterday, you suggested that the events of that night were the fault of the colleagues who were present for allowing him to drink so much.
"Such a view seems to me an attempt to absolve Mr Pincher of his actions and, in so doing, to be an apologist for someone who has committed sexual assault. I am unable to accept such a crass and insensitive interpretation of what happened that night.
"I have reached the conclusion that any person who suggests that anyone other than Mr Pincher is solely responsible for what happened that night is unfit to lead our country. To take any other position docs a severe disservice to the victims of his behaviour, on both this and previous occasions. I am therefore writing to tender my resignation as the Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Secretary of State for BEIS.
"It has been the greatest of honours to work alongside Kwasi Kwarteng and his exceptional team of ministers and special advisers. I am tremendously proud of how much we have achieved in the past two years and I thank you for the opportunity to do so. But I cannot continue to serve within your government and defend the indefensible."
Peter Gibson, parliamentary private secretary to the Secretary of State for International Trade.
The MP for Darlington highlighted his experience as a gay MP, saying: "On Saturday last week I marched with LGBT+ Conservatives at London Pride.
"As a gay MP, that should have been a liberating, enjoyable experience, instead due to the damage our party has inflicted on itself over the failure to include trans people in the ban on conversion therapy, it was a humiliating experience and signalled to me the immense damage that has been so needlessly inflicted after years of hard work by many to rebuild the damage of Section 28."
He added: "It is of the upmost importance that the Office of Prime Minister represents all the high standards required of public life, which I do not believe it presently does."
Duncan Baker, parliamentary private secretary at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities
In a statement on Facebook, the MP for North Norfolk said: "As I said just a couple of weeks ago, we must not dismiss the by election results as 'mid term' blues. They were not and they were a clear indicator of how the country feels.
"The breakdown in trust from the last six months is abundantly clear. The latest situation to unfold regarding Chris Pincher only compounds those feelings, with many now recognising the situation is clearly unsustainable.
"In my short time as the MP for North Norfolk, I have spoken out time and time again on matters relating to integrity, leadership and trust. I must remain true to my values and principles. I have felt for a considerable while that the situation cannot go on.
"I do not have confidence in the Prime Minister and resign my role as a PPS in the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. It has been a real privilege in such a short time to serve in that position and steer through important reforms to help not only my constituency but the country too."
David Duguid, Banff and Buchan MP and trade envoy
"In light of recent events I believe the Prime Minister's position is now untenable.
"Having indicated my concerns internally earlier this week, it is my intention to stand down from my position as Fisheries Envoy and Trade Envoy for Angola and Zambia."
James Sunderland, Parliamentary private secretary in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
“I have today resigned as Parliamentary Private Secretary to DEFRA. I would like to thank everyone who has taken the trouble to share their views with me in recent months. I continue to serve the people of Bracknell, Crowthorne, Finchampstead, Sandhurst and Wokingham Without to the best of my ability.”
Jacob Young MP, PPS in the Department for Levelling Up
"Sadly you no longer command the support of the parliamentary party and as you have not heeded the advice given to you, I feel I am left with no choice but to step down. You know of my personal loyalty to you, and so you know how it pains me to withdraw my support in this way".
James Daly MP, PPS at the Department of Work and Pensions
"Due to recent events it has become very clear you are sadly unable to lead our Government and deliver on the policies that will change lives for the better and create opportunity for all".
Danny Kruger, PPS at the Department of Housing, Communities and Levelling Up
"Very sorry indeed to hear Michael Gove has been fired by the PM. As I told No 10 earlier today it should be the PM leaving office. I am resigning as PPS at Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities."
David Mundell, UK trade envoy to New Zealand
"I am very disappointed that the Prime Minister has not listened to the counsel of colleagues and stood down voluntarily in the interests of the country. Earlier this week I wrote to the Chairman of the 1922 Committee confirming I had no confidence in the Prime Minister and asking that a further vote of confidence be held. I hope this can now take place as a matter of urgency. Clearly such views are not compatible with holding a Government role and accordingly I have stood down as UK Trade Envoy to New Zealand"
James Davies, PPS at the Department of Health and Social Care
"It is with deep regret that I write to you to tender my resignation as a Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Department of Health and Social Care. It has been an honour to assist you and health ministers in this position over the last nine months, and to help this country recover from the Covid pandemic.
"As Prime Minister, you have achieved much that others would simply have found it impossible to achieve — from winning a landslide victory in 2019, to delivering on Brexit, supporting the country through a devastating pandemic and providing steadfast support to Ukraine. Governing is not easy, and you have faced fierce opposition from many who never agreed with the mandate you received to deliver.
"I have strived to offer you my loyalty but regrettably it is clear that the party and the country are no longer governable under your tenure. Integrity and trust must be central to all that we do, but increasingly it has been impossible to defend you in the face of the damaging allegations and perceptions that exist. I am greatly saddened by these circumstances. I convey my sincere gratitude for having been given the opportunity to contribute to the workings of government, albeit in a small way."
Gareth Davies, parliamentary private secretary to the Department of Health and Social Care
The Grantham and Stamford MP tweeted: "It is with great regret that I have informed the whips office of my resignation as a PPS at the Department of Health and Social Care. It has been a privilege to serve in the role and not a decision I have taken lightly."
Helen Whately, City Minister
She told Boris Johnson there ''are only so many times you can apologise and move on''.
The MP for Faversham and Mid Kent, said: "With sincere regret I am resigning from HM Government. I stood for Parliament because I want to make our country a better place."
"Your vision for our country and your mission to level-up has inspired and galvanised people. As Exchequer Secretary I have seen this in practice and been proud to play a part. I have argued that you should continue as Prime Minister many times in recent months, but there are only so many times you can apologise and move on. That point has been reached."
Damian Hinds, Security Minister
Announcing his resignation at 7.15am on Thursday, he said: "It has been a huge privilege and responsibility to serve as security minister. It shouldn’t take the resignation of dozens of colleagues, but for our country, and trust in our democracy, we must have a change of leadership."
George Freeman, Science Minister
He wrote to Boris Johnson to tell him he no longer has confidence in his leadership. Mr Freeman did not explicitly say he was quitting as a minister but his letter made clear to Mr Johnson that ''the chaos in your Cabinet and No 10 this month is destroying our credibility'' and ''it can't go on''.
Guy Opperman, Pensions Minister
The Hexam MP said ''recent events have shown clearly that the Government simply cannot function with you in charge''.
Adding: "I resign with great regret, given there are serious ongoing issues that need addressing ranging from cost of living support, to legislation, & parliamentary debates.
"It should not take the resignation of 50 colleagues, but sadly the PM has left us no choice. He needs to resign.
"I have given you ample opportunity to show real change. Sadly, recent events have shown clearly that the Government simply cannot function with you in charge. In good faith and for the good of the country, I must ask you to stand down. No one individual, however successful in the past, is bigger than the party, or this great country."
Chris Philp, Technology Minister
Resigning, he said the ''PM should step down given public and Parliamentary confidence has clearly gone, and given the importance of integrity in public life''.
Referencing the Online Safety Bill, currently moving through parliament, Mr Philp said: "If the Government requires any practical assistance in getting the Bill through Commons Report Stage given the current scarcity of ministers, I would be happy to provide it."
He told the Prime Minister that "integrity, honesty and trust in politics" was important.
"Given events over the past few weeks and months I therefore think that you should resign as Prime Minister and it follows that I cannot serve in your Government any longer."
James Cartlidge, Courts' Minister
He told Boris Johnson: ''The position is clearly untenable.''
"I felt duty-bound to remain in post given the very challenging circumstances facing the criminal courts. I took the view there had to be some semblance of Government in this crucial arm of our constitution. But the position is clearly untenable.
"So close to the first legislation arising from the Criminal Legal Aid Review - which I have seen through since taking the job - it is a wrench to leave. In particular, I am conscious that court staff at HMCTS - not just Judiciary but especially clerks, listing officers and all the foot soldiers who got the courts back on track in the pandemic - are once again putting in a herculean shift, in the face of wholly disproportionate disruption from some in the criminal bar.
"Those same staff performed similarly when I started last September, when we worked intensively through the winter to successfully avoid having to extend custody time limits.
"The judicial part of our constitution is precious, embodying the principle of the rule of law that is so sacrosanct. It was difficult to put aside previous transgressions, but you have been a lion in Ukraine and deserved a chance, with your democratic mandate, to change and reset.
"It must now be obvious that this is no longer even remotely possible."
MPs who are staying in Cabinet
- Steve Barclay, New Health Secretary
- Michelle Donelan, New Education Secretary
- Dominic Raab, Deputy PM and Justice Secretary
- Priti Patel, Home Secretary
Liz Truss, Foreign Secretary
- Ben Wallace, Defence Secretary
Jacob Rees-Mogg, Brexit opportunities minister
Nadine Dorries, Culture Secretary
- Kwasi Kwarteng, Business Secretary
Alister Jack, Scotland Secretary
Chris Heaton-Harris, Chief Whip
- Environment Secretary George Eustice
- Leader of the House Mark Spencer
Simon Clarke, Chief Secretary to the Treasury
- Therese Coffey, Work and Pensions Secretary
Unconfirmed positions
Suella Braverman, Attorney General
Anne-Marie Trevelyan, International Development Secretary
Baroness Evans, Leader of the House of Lords
Nigel Adams, Cabinet Office Minister
Michael Ellis, Cabinet Office Minister
Kit Malthouse, Home Office Minister
Grant Shapps, Transport Minister
- Nadhim Zahawi, New Chancellor of the Exchequer
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