Huge blow for UK PM Boris Johnson as Rishi Sunak and Sajid Javid quit as ministers
London, July 5: In a big blow to embattled British Prime Minister Johnson, two of his senior Cabinet colleagues, including Chancellor Rishi Sunak, resigned on Tuesday, as they expressed their loss of confidence in his leadership amidst a spate of scandals.
The 42-year-old British Indian minister posted his resignation letter on Twitter soon after another senior Cabinet colleague, UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid, resigned.
The ministerial exits will come as a big blow to Johnson's leadership and follow a day of high political drama since a former civil servant spoke out about Downing Street's handling of allegations against recently suspended MP Chris Pincher.
The public rightly expect government to be conducted properly, competently and seriously, Sunak tweeted.
I recognise this may be last ministerial job, but I believe these standards are worth fighting for and that is why I am resigning, he said.
It came soon after Johnson said he "bitterly regrets" giving Pincher a government role as Deputy Chief Whip after being made aware of a misconduct complaint against him.
"In hindsight it was the wrong thing to do and I apologise to everyone who has been badly affected by it. I just want to make absolutely clear that there's no place in this government for anybody who is predatory or abuses their position of power," he said.
Sajid Javid, a British citizen of Pakistani origin, in his resignation letter said, "We [Conservative party] may not have always 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 colleagues agree.
"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."
The public rightly expect government to be conducted properly, competently and seriously.
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) July 5, 2022
I recognise this may be my last ministerial job, but I believe these standards are worth fighting for and that is why I am resigning.
My letter to the Prime Minister below. pic.twitter.com/vZ1APB1ik1
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Youngster alleges assault at Forest Office in Kadaba; Admitted to Puttur Hospital
Kadaba: A 27-year-old youth has alleged that he was assaulted inside the range forest officer’s office when he had gone there to give a statement in connection with a wild boar hunting case. He has been admitted to the government hospital in Puttur.
The injured has been identified as Jeevan (27), son of Monappa Gowda of Konde Mane in Aithoor village of Kadaba taluk. He and Jain Varkey (50) of Kermai were recently booked in a case related to alleged wild boar hunting in Aithoor forest.
According to sources, both had gone to the Subrahmanya range forest officer’s office on Wednesday to record their statements. It is alleged that Jain Varkey was sent outside and Jeevan was assaulted inside the office.
He was later taken to the Kadaba Community Health Centre for medical examination. On learning about the alleged assault, members of the public gathered at the hospital premises and expressed anger against the forest officials.
Locals have demanded action against Subrahmanya Range Forest Officer Vimal Babu and staff members Prakash and Adarsh, who have been accused in the incident. Jeevan has been shifted to the Puttur government hospital for further treatment, sources said.
