Two ministers have resigned from Rishi Sunak's cabinet ahead of an expected reshuffle today.
Mr Sunak received the resignation of veteran schools minister Nick Gibb and health minister Neil O’Brien.
Mr Gibb said: “Over the last few weeks I have been discussing taking up a diplomatic role after the general election.
“To enable me to do so I have asked the Prime Minister if I can step down from the government at the reshuffle and he has agreed.
Over the last few weeks I have been discussing taking up a diplomatic role after the general election. To enable me to do so I have asked the Prime Minister if I can step down from the government at the reshuffle and he has agreed. 1/5
— Nick Gibb (@NickGibbUK) November 13, 2023
“I campaigned for Rishi last Summer and I remain an enthusiastic supporter of the Prime Minister’s leadership.”
While Mr O’Brien, MP for Harborough, posted on X: “It’s been a privilege to serve at DHSC (Department of Health and Social Care).
“Great ministerial team and spads (special advisers) and some fab officials.
“But with so much going on locally I want to focus 100% on constituency work so have asked to go to back benches. I’m also keen to see more of our two small children (artwork attached).”
One of the responsibilities Mr O’Brien had in the DHSC was for tobacco and addiction.
He was due to play a key role in delivering Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s effective ban on smoking and vaping in the younger generation.
It's been a privilege to serve at DHSC. Great ministerial team & spads and some fab officials.
— Neil O'Brien MP (@NeilDotObrien) November 13, 2023
But with so much going on locally I want to focus 100% on constituency work so have asked to go to back benches. I'm also keen to see more of our two small children (artwork attached) pic.twitter.com/auCMHBxo0U
Meanwhile, Suella Braverman has been sacked as home secretary by the Prime Minister, with a No 10 source confirming Mr Sunak had "asked Suella Braverman to leave Government and she has accepted”.
Ms Braverman's position had come under increasing scrutiny following an article she wrote for the Times, published on Thursday.
In the article Ms Braverman criticised what she called “pro-Palestinian mobs”, and said protest scenes were “disturbingly reminiscent” of those seen in Northern Ireland.
The home secretary also accused the Met Police of a “double standard “over their handling of protests.
Over the weekend, it emerged that Downing Street had not signed off on the article.
Former Prime Minister David Cameron has also been spotted entering Downing Street this morning, raising speculation that he could be set for a dramatic return to Government.
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