Two Top U.K. Cabinet Ministers Resign in Major Blow to Boris Johnson’s Administration

Two key senior officials in U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s administration along with the Conservative Party vice chairman are calling it quits. Sajid Javid, health secretary, and Rishi Sunak, treasury chief, submitted their resignation letters almost simultaneously Tuesday. Not long after, Johnson announced he would appoint his chief of staff—Steve Barclay—to fill Javid’s position. Johnson recently came under fire for his appointment of accused sexual predator Chris Pincher to a senior post. Javid sent his letter first, tweeting it out and saying he can “no longer continue in good conscience.” He said that despite not always being the most popular, the conservative party has long acted in the country’s best interest. Under Johnson, however, Javid wrote that this is no longer. Sunak’s letter took a similar tone and acknowledged that this could be his final ministerial position. Though he said he often disagreed with Johnson in private, Sunak continued to support him publicly. “I firmly believe the public are [sic] ready to hear the truth,” Sunak wrote. Johnson diplomatically responded to both resignations in two respective letters, thanking the two for their service. Conservative Party vice chairman Bim Afolami also resigned Tuesday on Talk TV, urging Johnson to step down.