The UK health and finance ministers Sajid Javid and Rishi Sunak handed in their resignations, expressing that they couldn’t continue under the scandal-mired Boris Johnson government, dealing a huge blow to the embattled Prime Minister who narrowly survived a no-confidence vote.
Both former ministers submitted their resignation letters to the PM’s office, and Johnson has responded to them individually.
He told Sunak, “I was sorry to receive your letter resigning from the Government”, adding, “You have provided outstanding service to the country through the most challenging period for our economy in peacetime history.”
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Recounting Sunak’s contributions during his time as finance minister after his March 2020 appointment, Johnson concluded “I have enormously valued your advice and deep commitment to public service and will miss working with you in government.”
While addressing Javid, Johnson said “Thank you for your letter this evening tendering your resignation. I was very sorry to receive it. You have served this Government, and the people of the United Kingdom, with distinction.”
He noted how the former health minister handled the COVID situation, before continuing, “You have held significant positions in Government for the past decade, and have served myself and former Prime Ministers admirably.”
Johnson concluded, “You will be greatly missed, and I look forward to your contribution from the backbenches.”
Javid and Sunak are not the only ones to resign as many within the Conservative party are exasperated with Johnson’s leadership. Vice-chariman Bim Afolami also resigned on live television, while stating that Johnson no longer had the trust of the people in the country.
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From partygate, the PM has been mired in controversy and things came to a boil when it surfaced that Johnson had been aware of complaints of inappropriate conduct against Chris Pincher, the man he’d promoted to deputy chief whip. Pincher had to step down amid allegations of groping guests at dinner.
