In a setback for Rishi Sunak, two government ministers, Armed Forces Minister James Heappey and Skills Minister Robert Halfon, have resigned from their positions, also announcing their decision to step down as Tory MPs at the upcoming general elections.
This development brought about a mini-reshuffle within the beleaguered prime minister’s administration.
Heappey, who had previously disclosed his decision to retire as an MP, bid farewell to the Ministry of Defence, expressing gratitude for his time in office. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), he highlighted his tenure’s engagements, spanning pivotal events from pandemic responses to international diplomatic efforts.
Meanwhile, Halfon, after 23 years as the MP for Harlow, cited the need for renewal as he announced his departure. In a resignation letter to the Prime Minister, in his resignation letter to the PM, he said: “I believe that across the country there is quiet admiration for your work ethic, integrity and ability to solve complex problems faced by our country.
“I look forward to continuing to support you wholeheartedly from the backbenches in the weeks and months ahead.”
He is the 63rd Conservative MP to announce that he is quitting parliament as the opinion polls continue to indicate the party is heading for a heavy defeat at the general election.
Their departures come amidst a challenging political climate for the Conservative Party, with mounting concerns over electoral prospects and growing internal unrest. As the party braces for potential electoral losses, Sunak faces the task of navigating a reshuffle while confronting broader challenges on the political horizon.
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Two Government Ministers Quit, Dealing Fresh Blow to Rishi Sunak