London, Europe Brief News – British Prime Minister Boris Johnson faces a grave blow after two ministers of his government resigned over a sex scandal.
Boris Johnson is fighting for his political survival after Finance Minister Rishi Sunak and another senior minister abruptly resigned.
Within minutes of each other, Sunak and Health Secretary Sajid Javid sent to Johnson resignation letters that took aim at his ability to run an administration that adhered to standards.
Signaling his intention to stay in power for as long as possible, Johnson quickly appointed former businessman Nadhim Zahawi, the current education secretary, as his new finance minister. Steve Barclay, appointed in February to impose discipline in Johnson’s administration, moved to the health portfolio.
Resignation, Apologise
The resignations came as Johnson was apologizing for appointing a lawmaker to a role involved in offering pastoral care to his party, even after being briefed that the politician had been the subject of complaints about sexual misconduct.
So far, they are the only two ministers in the prime minister’s top Cabinet team to resign. But other senior figures expressed support for Johnson. Foreign minister Liz Truss, considered a leading contender to replace him, said she was “100% behind the PM.”
Four other lawmakers quit junior government roles. A trade envoy stood down and a vice chairman of the Conservative Party resigned his post on live television.
The resignations come after months of scandals and missteps. Johnson so far weathering criticism over a damning report into parties at his Downing Street residence and office that broke strict COVID-19 lockdowns and saw him fined by police.
There have been other policy U-turns, including an ill-fated defense of another lawmaker who broke lobbying rules. Johnson has also come under fire for not doing enough to tackle a cost-of-living crisis. As many Britons struggle to cope with rising fuel and food prices.
Economists say the country is now heading for a sharp slowdown or possibly a recession. Both Sunak and Javid had publicly supported Johnson, but in their letters, they said enough was enough.
