AFP
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NOS News•today, 19:54•Amended today, 21:59
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Two British ministers have resigned out of dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Johnson. Health Minister Sajid Javid and Finance Minister Rishi Sunak announced in quick succession that they no longer trust the prime minister after a series of scandals.
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This makes the crisis in Johnson’s government seem complete, although a new health minister has been appointed almost immediately, reports the British newspaper Daily Telegraph. Chief of Staff Steve Barclay would take over from Javid. A new finance minister has not yet been appointed.
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“The public rightly expects the government to be run correctly, competently and seriously. I believe these standards are worth fighting for and that is why I am resigning,” Sunak said on Twitter.
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“I’ve been faithful. In situations where I disagreed with you on a personal level, I supported you publicly,” Sunak wrote in his resignation letter to Johnson. He points to “immense challenges” facing Britain. In preparation for a joint speech on the economy, Sunak said he learned that his and Johnson’s ideas are “fundamentally different”. “We can’t go on like this.”
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Javid says he no longer trusts Johnson to lead the country after everything that has happened. He is mainly referring to the most recent abuse scandal in which the prime minister became involved.
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Former ‘deputy chief whip’ Chris Pincher, who was responsible in the British Parliament to ensure that his party members voted for the right proposal, has been charged with sexual misconduct. He is said to have groped two men in a private club in the past. He was appointed to the government by Johnson in February. He resigned last Thursday.
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Johnson has been asked if he knew of the misconduct when he appointed Pincher. The government’s explanation changed several times, but yesterday it emerged that Johnson was aware of the misconduct. A spokesperson added that the allegations have not led to a formal complaint.
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Today, Johnson apologized for Pincher’s appointment. “In hindsight, it was wrong,” he said in a statement.
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Outgoing minister Javid says many policy makers and residents have lost faith in the prime minister because of everything that has happened. “I am sorry to say that it is clear to me that this situation will not change under your leadership – which is why you have lost my trust,” he wrote in a letter to Johnson.
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Others are also stepping up
Two British Conservative Party policymakers have also quit in protest at Johnson’s leadership. They posted their resignation letters on social media.
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The leader of the opposition Labor party thinks it is time for a new government. Keir Starmer said he would support a national election. “This government is collapsing.”
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