British finance, health ministers resign, plunging government into chaos
British finance, health ministers resign, plunging government into chaos
Britain's finance and health ministers have resigned, as a series of scandals have shaken Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government
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Johnson's government has been rattled by a series of scandals [Getty]
Britain's finance and health ministers resigned on Tuesday, plunging Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government into crisis.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid said he had lost confidence in Johnson's ability to govern in the national interest after a series of scandals, saying he could "no longer continue in good conscience".
He said that many lawmakers and the public had lost confidence in Johnson's ability to govern in the national interest.
"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" Javid said in a letter to Johnson.
I have spoken to the Prime Minister to tender my resignation as Secretary of State for Health & Social Care.
— Sajid Javid (@sajidjavid) July 5, 2022
It has been an enormous privilege to serve in this role, but I regret that I can no longer continue in good conscience. pic.twitter.com/d5RBFGPqXp
Finance Minister Rishi Sunak had announced his resignation earlier.
"The public rightly expect government to be conducted properly, competently and seriously," Sunak wrote in his resignation letter. "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."
The public rightly expect government to be conducted properly, competently and seriously.
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) July 5, 2022
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.
My letter to the Prime Minister below. pic.twitter.com/vZ1APB1ik1
Nadhim Zahawi, previously education secretary, was later appointed to replace Sunak.
Johnson told the ministers that he was sorry to see them resign.
He made the comments in letters sent to the two men which were published by his office.
The leader of Britain's opposition Labour Party, Keir Starmer, said it was clear that Johnson's government was now collapsing following the resignation of two senior ministers.
"After all the sleaze, the scandals and the failure, it’s clear that this Government is now collapsing," Starmer said in a statement.
(Reuters and agencies)
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