Conservative MP and Boris Johnson ally Jonathan Gullis has become the latest MP to resign from a Government role, following the Chris Pincher scandal which has embroiled the government.
He has resigned his role as Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, saying the Conservative Party has been “more focused on dealing with our reputational damage rather than delivering for the people of this country”.
In a letter to the Prime Minister, Mr Gullis said he was resigning “with a heavy heart”.
He wrote: “I have been a member of the Conservative Party my entire adult life, a party I believe represents opportunity for all. I feel for too long we have been more focused on dealing with our reputational damage rather than delivering for the people of this country and spreading opportunity for all, which is why I came into politics.
“It is for this reason I can no longer to serve as part of your government.
Jonathan Gullis became the latest MP to resign following the Chris Pincher scandal
UK Parliament
“I will continue to focus on standing up for the people of Stoke-on-Trent North, Kidsgrove and Talke, protecting and preserving our heritage, creating new high skilled and high wage jobs locally and making sure people have access to the very best healthcare and education this country has to offer.”
His resignation falls in the wake of an earlier announcement from Rishi Sunak and Sajid Javid, who both confirmed they would be leaving their positions, following the Chris Pincher scandal.
Mr Pincher quit as deputy chief whip last week following claims that he groped two men at a private members’ club, but Mr Johnson was told about allegations about him as far back as 2019.
The Prime Minister acknowledged he should have sacked Mr Pincher when he was told about the claims against him when he was a Foreign Office minister in 2019, but instead Mr Johnson went on to appoint him to other government roles.
The Former Health Secretary outlined in his letter to the Prime Minister, how the British people “rightly expect integrity from their Government”.
Sajid Javid wrote: “The tone you set as leader, and the values you represent, reflect on your colleagues, your party and ultimately the country.
“Conservatives at their best are seen as hard-headed decision makers, guided by strong values. We may not have always been popular, but we have been competent in acting in the national interest.
“Sadly, in the current circumstances, the public are concluding that we are now neither.”
In a Tweet to his followers, Mr Sunak said: "The public rightly expect government to be conducted properly, competently and seriously.
"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."
