Two of Boris Johnson’s most senior ministers, Rishi Sunak and Sajid Javid, resigned on Tuesday within minutes of one another, expressing a lack of trust in his leadership. This is the most recent and probably deadly blow to Boris Johnson’s government in the UK.
For his inconsistent assertions on Chris Pincher, a politician accused of sexual misconduct, Johnson is under criticism. Following accusations that he inappropriately touched two guys at a London bar while intoxicated, Pincher was forced to resign as a government whip on July 30.
The most recent problem for Johnson comes shortly after “Partygate,” a motion of no confidence that he overcame, and two losses in by-elections for his party.
In his resignation letter, finance minister Rishi Sunak said, “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 expects the government to be conducted properly, competently, and seriously. I recognize this may be my last ministerial job, but I believe these standards are worth fighting for and that is why I am resigning.”
Johnson has been charged with failing to take action against Pincher despite being aware of the accusations made against him in 2019. On July 1, the government insisted that the PM was unaware of the claims; nevertheless, a spokesperson indicated on Monday that Johnson was aware of allegations of sexual misconduct that had “either been settled or did not progress to a formal complaint.”
Soon, it was asserted that Johnson “not immediately remembered” receiving a briefing on the charges in 2019. This followed Simon McDonald’s assertion that the statements made by the prime minister’s office were untrue, who served as the highest-ranking employee in the UK Foreign Office between 2015 and 2020.
