Sunak accuses Boris Johnson of not working hard

LONDON: The resignations by Rishi Sunak and Sajid Javid have thrust Boris Johnson’s three-year tenure as PM into the most perilous position. Both quit to raise questions about Johnson’s judgment and honesty. They announced their decisions shortly after Johnson apologised for appointing a minister, Chris Pincher, who last week quit his job over allegations of inappropriate behaviour. Johnson had earlier denied he was aware of any allegation against Pincher, who was suspended as a Conservative MP last week over allegations of sexual misconduct. Vice-chairman of the Conservative party Bim Afolami resigned live on television on Tuesday night saying he could no longer serve under the PM.

Andrew Bridgen, one of the MPs who said he had declared no confidence in Johnson last month, told TOI: “Finally the cabinet have come to the conclusion many Tory MPs came to months ago. The whole cabinet is resigning and the government has fallen. Ministers are fed up of being asked to defend him on national TV. This is about Chris Pincher, Partygate and Boris lying. ”

Javid, the outgoing health secretary resigned just after 6 pm local time. In his letter Javid wrote: “I can no longer, in good conscience, continue serving in this government. I am instinctively a team player but the British people also rightly expect integrity from their government. The tone you set as a leader, and the values you represent, reflect on your colleagues, your party and ultimately the country… I served you loyally and as a friend, but we all serve the country first.”

Ten minutes later Sunak, the outgoing chancellor of the exchequer, handed in his notice. He wrote: “For me to step down as chancellor while the world is suffering serious challenges is a decision that I have not taken lightly. However, 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…. ”He accused Johnson of not working hard, not making sacrifices, and not taking difficult decisions to achieve a low-tax, high-growth economy. When asked last week if he wanted to be PM, Sunak had replied: “It says an enormous amount about Britain’s openness and tolerance that I am sitting here in the treasury. We need to make sure that is not end of the British Indian story”