OXFORDSHIRE’S most senior Conservative councillor says Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s position is ‘completely untenable’ after two senior Government figures resigned.
The resignations of Health Secretary Sajid Javid and Chancellor Rishi Sunak sent shockwaves across the country this evening, leading to intense doubts over the future of Mr Johnson.
Mr Javid’s resignation was quickly followed by that of Mr Sunak, as Oxfordshire’s Tory MPs remain tight-lipped on the subject.
READ AGAIN: Oxfordshire’s most senior Tory councillor says time for PM to be replaced
However, Eddie Reeves, the leader of the Conservatives at Oxfordshire County Council, said he would be surprised if Mr Johnson was still Prime Minister within the next few days.
“My overwhelming reaction when I heard was one of relief – as I’ve said previously I’ve not been happy since the Owen Paterson affair,” said Mr Reeves.
“I’m relieved and think the Prime Minister’s position is completely untenable now – I’d be surprised if he lasts days, never mind weeks.”
On June 6, Mr Johnson won a no-confidence vote among MPs by 211 to 148, seeing 40 per cent of MPs vote against him.
Mr Reeves said the resignations of both Mr Javid and Mr Sunak would see more MPs turn their back on the Prime Minister.
“Since June 6, it’s been a time of waiting for ministers to act,” he said.
“I think the circumstances are extenuating, we are in exceptional circumstances, so a real change is perfectly legitimate.
“With the Chancellor and Health Secretary de facto saying they don’t have confidence, I see the 40 per cent we saw in June only increasing.”
While Mr Javid and Mr Sunak were announcing their resignations, Witney MP Robert Courts was being ridiculed for tweeting about Maritime Safety Week.
Mr Courts said he had met with North Oxfordshire MP Victoria Prentis during the annual awareness week.
“Good to meet with Victoria Prentis today during Maritime Safety Week to discuss the important issue of safety within the fishing industry – reaffirming our departments’ shared commitment to reducing tragic deaths and accidents,” Mr Courts tweeted.
Shortly after 6pm, Mr Javid posted on Twitter to say he had tendered his resignation as Health Secretary.
His resignation letter read: “We may not always have 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.
“The vote of confidence last month showed that a large number of our colleague agree.
“It was a moment for humility, grip and new direction.
“I regret to say, however, that it is clear to me that this situation will not change under your leadership – and you have therefore lost my confidence too.”
Just nine minutes after Mr Javid’s tweet, Mr Sunak also posted online his letter of resignation.
His statement read: “The public rightly expect Government to be conducted properly, competently and seriously.
“I recognise this may be my last ministerial job, but I believe those standards are worth fighting for and that is why I am resigning.
“I am sad to be leaving Government but I have reluctantly come to the conclusion that we cannot continue like this.”
Meanwhile, MPs Jonathan Gullis and Saqib Bhatti have also resigned as Parliamentary Private Secretaries, with another MP – Bim Afolami – resigning as the British Conservative Party vice-chair live on TV.
Read more from this author
This story was written by Liam Rice, he joined the team in 2019 as a multimedia reporter.
Liam covers politics, travel and transport. He occasionally covers Oxford United.
Get in touch with him by emailing: Liam.rice@newsquest.co.uk
Follow him on Twitter @OxMailLiamRice
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel