Rishi Sunak launches surprise reshuffle with 2 ministers OUT hours after committee grilling
James Heappey and Robert Halfon quit just months ahead of a general election
Rishi Sunak triggered a surprise mini-reshuffle today after two ministers quit.
In a fresh headache for the PM, Robert Halfon and James Heappey stood down with just months to go before a showdown general election.
Robert Halfon quit as Education MinisterCredit: Times Media Ltd
James Heappey stood down as Armed Forces MinisterCredit: Richard Townshend Photography
The Education and Armed Forces ministers will also resign as MPs when voters take to the polls.
In a letter to the PM, Mr Halfon declared that after two decades in politics "it is time for me to step down".
The MP for Harlow said: "I believe that across the country, there is quiet admiration for your work ethic, integrity and ability to solve complex problems faced by our country.
"I look forward to continuing to wholeheartedly supporting you from the backbenches in the weeks and months ahead, at the upcoming election, and of course, to spending my remaining time as an MP, championing Harlow."
Quoting Gandalf, he added: "My time is over: it is no longer my task to set things to rights, nor to help folk to do so."
Mr Heappey, a former soldier, said he took the “the painful decision” to "prioritise my family and pursue a different career".
He posted on X: "I’ve loved every minute as Minister for the Armed Forces in this incredible department.
"Our Armed Forces and Ministry of Defence civil servants are the very best of us.
"Representing them in Parliament and around the world over last four and a half years has been an amazing privilege."
Leo Docherty, who already had a stint as defence minister and was a former army captain, will replace Mr Heappey.
Luke Hall has been appointed to the Department for Education following the departure of Mr Halfon.
Other moves in the mini-reshuffle include Nus Ghani becoming minister for Europe at the Foreign Office and Alan Mak becoming a junior minister jointly in the Department for Business and Trade and the Cabinet Office.
Kevin Hollinrake, who as Post Office minister held a junior ministerial role, has now been promoted to minister of state rank in the Department for Business and Trade.
The dual resignations were a blow to the PM just hours after he faced a grilling by the Commons Liaison Committee.
A whopping 63 Tories have now announced they’re intention to quit at the election.
In separate letters Mr Sunak thanked the pair for their "service to our party".
He hailed Mr Halfon’s campaigning to keep fuel duty low.
The Education Minister was a staunch champion of The Sun’s Keep It Down campaign.
And the PM highlighted Mr Halfon’s work championing rights for people with disabilities.
The veteran MP has cerebral palsy and spent years campaigning to improve accessibility across Britain.
Earlier today Labour’s Shadow Defence Secretary John Healey hailed Mr Heappey for his "total commitment" to British defence.
In a heartfelt Commons tribute he said: "Since the last election we’ve had: Five Chancellors Four Foreign Secretaries Three Prime Ministers Two Defence Secretaries But only one Armed Forces Minister.
"James Heappey has been a rare constant in the turmoil of Government.
"Totally committed to defence and Labour thanks him for this."
It comes as the bookies have put Labour as the most likely party to win the next election.
On the Betfair Exchange the current odds are:
- Labour Majority 1/6 (85% chance)
- No Overall Majority 18/1 (11% chance)
- Conservative Majority 25/1 (4% chance)
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
