Jo Johnson who until now was the Minister of state for universities and science, on Thursday announced his resignation from the Government which is headed by his brother, and Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Jo Johnson, in his resignation speech on Thursday 5th September 2019, said he had been torn by family loyalty and the national interest but had decided to step down.
Jo Johnson had tweeted about his decision to step down ahead of a rumoured general election, which could take place as early as next month, even when the Prime Minister still pushing for the UK to leave the EU ‘with or without a deal’ on October 31.
Taking to his twitter page on Thursday, he said:
‘It’s been an honour to represent Orpington for nine years and to serve as a minister under three PMs. ‘In recent weeks I’ve been torn between family loyalty and the national interest – it’s an unresolvable tension and time for others to take on my roles as MP and minister.’
According to the report by Metro UK, Boris Johnson his yet to release a statement as to the resignation of his brother, as staff at Number 10 said they were unaware of the move before he went public.
The report also added that in November last year, Jo Johnson quit Theresa May’s government as transport minister saying he could not support her Brexit deal. He called it a ‘terrible mistake’ and threw his weight behind the People’s Vote.
At the time Boris praised the decision, saying they were ‘united in dismay’ at the way Mrs May had handled talks with Brussels. Despite being on opposing ends of the Brexit debate, Jo Johnson took a job in his brother’s cabinet when he became Prime Minister in July, Metro UK had reported.
…more to come as the debate continues on Brexit plans…