Boris Johnson resigns as Foreign Secretary

Boris Johnson has resigned as Foreign Secretary, follow the lead of David Davis who stepped down as Brexit Secretary earlier today.

This is a huge blow to the Prime Minister, as Theresa May’s authority is further diminished. She has now lost two Secretaries of State in the last 24 hours.

Johnson was a prominent figure in the 2016 referendum Leave campaign, and his resignation will undoubtedly bolster the confidence of other Brexiteers in the Conservative Party. The view that May’s Brexit negotiation position agreed at Chequers is worse than a ‘no deal’ Brexit is likely to gain traction.

A Downing Street spokesman said: “This afternoon, the Prime Minister accepted the resignation of Boris Johnson as Foreign Secretary. His replacement will be announced shortly. The Prime Minister thanks Boris for his work.”

Four hours later, Boris Johnson goes. Division & chaos at the heart of govt. https://t.co/qr71HAo77x

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 9, 2018

Deputy Labour leader Tom Watson commented: “Theresa May’s government is in meltdown. This is complete and utter chaos.

“The country is at a standstill with a divided and shambolic government. The Prime Minister can’t deliver Brexit and has zero authority left.”

Boris Johnson will be doing “plenty of work” from the back benches, the PM’s woes are only just beginning. This Tory pantomime must surely be coming to the end of its season 😳 https://t.co/zmRRNAvhZJ

— Angela Rayner (@AngelaRayner) July 9, 2018

Many in Westminster are now asking whether International Trade Secretary Liam Fox will be next to resign.