- Finance Minister Rishi Sunak and Health Minister Sajid Javid have resigned, amid sharp criticism of Prime Minister Boris Johnson. In their letters of resignation, they questioned Johnson’s ability to lead a government that adhered to certain standards.
- Just a few hours after the two resignations, Johnson filled the posts again. The finance portfolio will go to the former education minister, Nadhim Zahawi, and health minister will be the prime minister’s former chief of staff, Steve Barclay.
- However, the British Prime Minister continues to fight for his political survival.
The direct cause of the political earthquake in the UK is Johnson’s conduct in the recent scandal of sexual harassment by a senior Conservative Party leader.
“It is clear to me that this situation will not change under your leadership,” Health Minister Sajid Javid wrote in his resignation letter. Finance Minister Rishi Sunak stressed that he had always been loyal to Johnson. “But the public rightly expects the government to act correctly, competently and seriously.”
Numerous other members of the government, such as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice Dominic Raab or Foreign Minister Liz Truss, immediately assured the Prime Minister of their support. In addition, Johnson is considered a “stand-up man” because he has survived several scandals. But sentiment within his Conservative Party is devastated. The prime minister must resign, a cabinet member told Sky News.
The government crisis comes at the wrong time. Great Britain is struggling with a historic crisis in view of the immensely increased cost of living. Inflation is at its highest level in around 40 years.
On Wednesday, the government will cut Social Security for millions of people on lower incomes. Johnson hoped for a liberation. In addition, the prime minister had just survived a scandal and a vote of no confidence in which many observers had already seen him at the end: the “Partygate” affair about illegal lockdown celebrations at the seat of government in Downing Street.