Boris Johnson resigns – live: PM told to leave No 10 today

Boris Johnson is set to step down as prime minister after a fatal onslaught of resignations in protest over his leadership – but worried Tories have insisted that he hand over power today.

The prime minister finally agreed to resign on Thursday morning as the slew of more than 50 resignations continued, with Michelle Donelan’s departure as education secretary just 35 hours into the role making her the fifth Cabinet minister to quit.

Mr Johnson’s new chancellor Nadhim Zahawi also publicly urged him to “do the right thing and go now”, as Suella Braverman revealed ambitions to replace him as PM while still in post as attorney general.

The dramatic collapse in support came after it emerged Mr Johnson promoted Chris Pincher to a role with responsibility for MPs’ welfare, despite knowledge of misconduct claims against him.

But departing science minister George Freeman and former chief aide Dominic Cummings were among those insisting Mr Johnson should leave Downing Street today, after a No 10 source suggested he would remain in post until a new Tory leader is elected in the autumn.

Key Points

• Boris Johnson to resign

• Tories demand PM be forced out of No 10 today rather than be caretaker

• New chancellor Nadhim Zahawi tells PM: ‘Do the right thing and go now’

• Newly appointed Michelle Donelan is fifth Cabinet minister to resign

• Boris Johnson sacks Michael Gove as PM vows to ‘fight on’

• Johnson tells ministers he is refusing to quit

• Priti Patel joins cabinet coup

• Key ministers including Grant Shapps and Nadhim Zahawi to tell PM to resign

Watch: Suella Braverman and Steve Baker on running for Tory leader

10:37 , Andy Gregory

Suella Braverman and Steve Baker have been especially quick out of the blocks to declare an interest in replacing Boris Johnson – with the former doing so live on-air while still serving as his attorney general and having not yet told him personally to resign.

You can watch Ms Braverman’s comments on the matter here:

And here is what Mr Baker has to say on the matter:

Boris Johnson and Tory ministers entitled to total £420,000 severance pay for resigning

10:34 , Andy Gregory

Our policy correspondent Jon Stone reports that Boris Johnson and his former ministers are being urged to reject nearly half a million pounds in redundancy pay due to be paid to them for resigning.

Under the Ministerial and Other Pensions and Salaries Act 1991, MPs leaving office are entitled to 25 per cent of their annual salaries in severance – with the exodus of more than 50 people on the government’s so-called “payroll vote” in the past few days set to land taxpayers with a bill of over £420,000.

Boris Johnson and Tory ministers entitled to £420,000 severance pay for resigning

Kwasi Kwarteng says new leader needed ‘as soon as practicable'

10:27 , Andy Gregory

Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng has suggested he does not want Boris Johnson to stay until October, saying a new leader is needed “as soon as practicable”.

“What a depressing state of affairs. So much needless damage caused,” he tweeted.

“We now need a new leader as soon as practicable. Someone who can rebuild trust, heal the country, and set out a new, sensible and consistent economic approach to help families.

“I’m on Teesside today launching a £400m investment – a new offshore wind factory that will employ hundreds of local people. Westminster is a mess, but this investment – and those jobs – will outlast any PM. The wheels of government must continue in the meantime.”

Tories demand Boris Johnson is forced to leave No 10 today and not be caretaker

10:08 , Andy Gregory

Our deputy political editor Rob Merrick reports:

Worried senior Tories want Boris Johnson to be forced out of No 10 immediately, fearing further damage after he bent the constitution in a desperate bid to stay in power.

The outgoing PM has signalled he intends to stay on as a caretaker until a new Tory leader is elected, probably in September – creating a two-month period of uncertainty.

The interim is normally uncontroversial, but never before has a prime minister initially refused to leave power after a Cabinet revolt, or previously broken other laws and conventions.

Shortly after quitting as science minister, George Freeman tweeted:

Former Brexit minister David Frost agreed that Mr Johnson “cannot now credibly be a caretaker prime minister while a leadership election is taking place”, adding in a reference to Dominic Raab: “We have a deputy PM who can straightforwardly fulfil that role and he should.”

Tories demand PM is forced to leave No 10 today and not be caretaker

09:59 , Andy Gregory

Our video team has this report on the news that Boris Johnson will resign:

Nicola Sturgeon questions whether PM should stay in office until autumn

09:57 , Andy Gregory

Nicola Sturgeon has said there will be a “widespread sense of relief” that Boris Johnson is quitting as prime minister – a role for which she branded him “manifestly unfit”.

Scotland’s first minister also questioned whether it was “sustainable” for him to remain in the role until the autumn.

Ms Sturgeon concluded by saying: “My differences with Boris Johnson are many and profound. But leadership is difficult and brings with it many stresses and strains, and so on a personal level I wish him and his family well.”

Starmer continues calls for general election

09:47 , Andy Gregory

Sir Keir Starmer has said it is “good news” that Boris Johnson is resigning, but insisted: “We don’t need to change the Tory at the top – we need a proper change of government”.

Boris Johnson is resigning: What next?

09:40 , Andy Gregory

The next step is for the prime minister to give a resignation statement, which he is expected to do from a lectern on Downing Street – as is tradition.

That will avoid the need for another no-confidence vote in his leadership, which was expected to take place next week once Tory MPs on the 1922 committee had changed the rules to allow it.

But it will trigger a leadership race in the Conservative party that is likely to consume politics for the next few weeks or months.

Our policy correspondent Jon Stone has this guide to what happens next:

Boris Johnson has resigned: What next?

PM has spoken to 1922 Committee chair about resignation

09:38 , Andy Gregory

Boris Johnson has spoken with the chair of the Conservatives’ 1922 Committee, Sir Graham Brady, and agreed to stand down, our political correspondent Ashley Cowburn reports.

Cummings urges Tories to install Raab as interim PM by this evening

09:36 , Andy Gregory

Dominic Cummings has urged Tories to evict Boris Johnson from Downing Street today and install Dominic Raab as interim prime minister by this evening.

The PM’s former chief political aide-turned-nemesis claimed the prime minister is “playing for time and will try to stay”.

Tory MP says he is ‘backing Suella'

09:33 , Andy Gregory

In what appears to be the first endorsement of a potential Tory leadership candidate, Sir Desmond Swayne has said he is “backing Suella” Braverman.

Tory MP calls on Boris Johnson to apologise to the Queen

09:29 , Andy Gregory

Shortly after announcing his resignation as science minister this morning, Tory MP George Freeman has said that Boris Johnson should apologise to the Queen and advise her to call for a caretaker prime minister.

Pound trades higher after news breaks of Boris Johnson’s resignation

09:28 , Andy Gregory

The pound was trading higher on the news of Boris Johnson’s plans to resign – up 0.6 per cent at 1.198 US dollars and 0.4 per cent stronger at 1.174 euros.

Boris Johnson ‘to remain in post until new Tory leader in place by October'

09:24 , Andy Gregory

Boris Johnson is said to be planning to remain in post until a new Tory leader is in place – a process set to happen by October.

On his resignation, a Downing Street spokesperson said: “The prime minister will make a statement to the country today.”

It is expected he will remain in post until a new Tory leader is in place by the party’s annual conference in October, a No 10 source said.

Breaking: Boris Johnson set to resign after mass Tory revolt

09:18 , Andy Gregory

Boris Johnson will imminently announce his resignation as prime minister after facing mass resignations from the ministerial ranks, our political correspondent Ashley Cowburn reports.

We’ll bring you more news on his resignation as we get it.

Boris Johnson set to resign after mass resignations

Boris Johnson will resign today, BBC political editor reports

09:11 , Andy Gregory

Boris Johnson will resign today, the BBC’s political editor Chris Mason has reported.

Deputy Tory chair resigns

09:09 , Andy Gregory

Luke Hall has resigned as deputy chair of the Tory Party.

Zahawi not resigning despite calling on PM to go, source says

09:06 , Andy Gregory

Despite his letter to Boris Johnson, a source close to Nadhim Zahawi made clear he is not resigning from his new post, adding: “The country needs a chancellor and he will serve as long as he’s asked to do so.”

Our political correspondent Ashley Cowburn has the breaking story here:

‘Do the right thing and go’: Nadhim Zahawi tells Boris Johnson to resign

Tory MP Steve Baker says he’s being ‘implored’ to run in any race to succeed Boris Johnson

09:03 , Andy Gregory

Our political correspondent Ashley Cowburn reports:

Rebel Tory MP Steve Baker has revealed he is considering running in any leadership race to replace Boris Johnson, suggesting some individuals are “imploring” him to do so.

Mr Baker warned the government is now in “free fall” and said: “I think this will come to an end in the next couple of days. It’s now time to think about the future”.

Pressed on his own ambitions, the Tory MP who worked in Theresa May’s government, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “I have to think about it very seriously. As a working class kid from Cornwall I would never have imagined I’d seriously be on your programme, talking to you, about becoming prime minister.

“But the reality is some people I deeply respect are telling me, even imploring me, to do it. I must consider it seriously. The Conservative Home poll keeps putting me in the top 10 and I respect that.

“It would be wrong of me to take it lightly, but I am realistic it seems to me quite improbable the rebel commander as Guido Fawkes put it … should win.”

Steve Baker says he’s being ‘implored’ to run in any race to succeed Boris Johnson

Michelle Donelan quits as education secretary

08:55 , Andy Gregory

After accepting the role of education secretary on Tuesday night, Michelle Donelan has now tendered her resignation...

New chancellor tells Boris Johnson: ‘Do the right thing and go now'

08:48 , Andy Gregory

In a remarkable turnaround, following reports that he was among a Cabinet delegation gathered to tell the PM to quit yesterday less than 48 hours after accepting a job as chancellor, Nadhim Zahawi has told Boris Johnson: “You must do the right thing and go now.”

UK’s government still ‘technically’ functioning, attorney general says

08:46 , Andy Gregory

Here is more detail from attorney general Suella Braverman’s apparently rogue appearance on the Today show this morning:

Describing the UK’s government as “technically” still functioning, she revealed that she had not yet personally told Boris Johnson to resign – despite doing so publicly in multiple media appearances.

“For example, myself, I am in a role which is of constitutional and legal significance,” she said. “I am still in situ, I am still discharging those duties and those functions in my capacity as a government minister.”

She added: “I haven’t actually spoken to him directly. I have informed the whips of my view. But it seems to me that yesterday there were a lot of people telling the prime minister directly this very message.”

Ms Braverman defended her previous allegiance to Mr Johnson, stressing that things have changed in recent days which have now made his position untenable.

“Circumstances have dramatically changed in the last 48 hours. I’ve constantly supported the prime minister in a steadfast fashion,” she said.

She denied she is behaving opportunistically, saying: “The writing’s on the wall. I can’t fight the evidence and the facts we’ve had.”

Matt Hancock rules out running in leadership election, calls on PM to resign

08:40 , Andy Gregory

Matt Hancock has called on Boris Johnson to resign and ruled out running in a leadership race himself.

“We need to make sure that in that future leadership election, which is coming very soon ... that we have a new prime minister who can unite north and south, who can bring the country together and deliver for people in these very tough economic times,” the former health secretary told BBC Breakfast.

Asked whether he would intend to run as a candidate, he said: “No, I’m not going to run.

“But I do care very deeply that we have a new prime minister who can appeal to all parts, and who is competent and serious and can take this country forward.”

Attorney general calls on Boris Johnson to resign – again

08:31 , Andy Gregory

Today’s events show little sign of being any less dramatic than those witnessed yesterday.

Despite remaining in post, the attorney general Suella Braverman has just appeared on the BBC’s Today programme publicly demanding that Boris Johnson resign.

It comes hours after she revealed on BBC Newsnight that she would stand in the running to replace him.

Brandon Lewis ‘offered Chancellor of Duchy of Lancaster role’, report claims

08:23 , Andy Gregory

Brandon Lewis was offered the role of the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster – vacated on Tuesday by new health secretary Steve Barclay – in a bid to tempt him to remain in government, The Times is reporting.

But Mr Lewis quit as Northern Ireland secretary this morning, becoming the fourth Cabinet minister to abandon the prime minister.

Courts minister James Cartlidge quits

08:20 , Andy Gregory

James Cartlidge has quit as courts’ minister, telling Boris Johnson: “The position is clearly untenable.”

Science minister reported to have resigned after confusion

08:12 , Andy Gregory

Amid some confusion following his letter criticising Boris Johnson over whether it signalled his departure as science minister or not, multiple reports now confirm that George Freeman has indeed resigned – bringing the total to 52.

Technology minister resigns

08:07 , Andy Gregory

And here comes yet another resignation.

Technology minister Chris Philp has now also gone, saying the “PM should step down given public and Parliamentary confidence has clearly gone, and given the importance of integrity in public life”.

Boris Johnson ‘proving Donald Trump right’, Lib Dem leader claims

08:04 , Andy Gregory

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has suggested that Boris Johnson is proving Donald Trump’s assertion that the prime minister was the former US president’s transatlantic equivalent to be correct.

Pensions minister warns government ‘cannot function’ with Johnson, as resignations hit 50

08:02 , Andy Gregory

Pensions minister Guy Opperman has resigned, telling Boris Johnson “recent events have shown clearly that the government simply cannot function with you in charge’’.

By our count, his marks the 50th resignation.

Graph shows extent of ministerial exodus

07:50 , Andy Gregory

The Institue for Government has this extraordinary graph illustrating the extent of yesterday’s ministerial exodus in comparison with those witnessed under other prime ministers.

It was reported yesterday that the number of ministerial resignations suffered by Mr Johnson on Wednesday was the highest ever suffered in a single day.

Tory MP ‘makes clear' he won’t take Cabinet position

07:39 , Andy Gregory

Tory MP David TC Davies – the parliamentary under-secretary of state for Wales – has made clear he will not take a Cabinet position to replace the now departed Simon Hart.

“I made clear last night that I will not take the role,” Mr Davies said.

Science minister tells Boris Johnson ‘it can’t go on'

07:32 , Andy Gregory

Science minister George Freeman has written to Boris Johnson to tell him he no longer has confidence in his leadership.

Mr Freeman did not explicitly say he was quitting as a minister but his letter made clear to Mr Johnson that “the chaos in your Cabinet and No 10 this month is destroying our credibility” and “it can’t go on”.

Damian Hinds and Helen Whately both resign

07:30 , Andy Gregory

Damian Hinds and Helen Whateley have both resigned within a matter of minutes, continuing the ministerial exodus this morning.

Mr Hinds is leaving his post as a justice minister, while Ms Whately is departing as Exchequer secretary to the Treasury. Here are their resignation letters:

What happens next for Boris Johnson?

07:20 , Stuti Mishra

A defiant Boris Johnson has made it clear he is not giving up his grip on power, despite calls from ministers and MPs across the Tory party to stand down.

No prime minister in modern history has tried to cling on to office in the face of such overwhelming opposition from their own side.

It places the ball firmly in the court of those who believe his position has become untenable.

What are Mr Johnson's options now and what can be done to remove him from No 10?

Boris Johnson fights on: what happens next?

Brandon Lewis becomes fourth cabinet minister to resign

07:10 , Stuti Mishra

Northern Ireland secretary Brendan Lewis has tendered his resignation in the latest blow to prime minister Boris Johnson.

In a letter tweeted out by Mr Lewis on Thursday morning, he says the party is now “past the point of no return” and that he cannot “sacrifice his personal integrity anymore”.

“I have gone out and defended this government both publicly and privately,” the Northern Ireland secretary told Mr Johnson in his resignation letter.

“We are, however, now past the point of no return. I cannot sacrifice my personal integrity to defend things as they stand now. It is clear that our Party, parliamentary colleagues, volunteers and the whole country, deserve better.”

Read the details here:

Brandon Lewis resigns from cabinet in latest blow to Boris Johnson

Johnson 'needs to resign', says Matt Hancock

06:50 , Stuti Mishra

Former health secretary Matt Hancock says Boris Johnson "won't be the leader of the Conservative Party in a very short period of time" and soon there will be a new leader, as he expressed sadness over the events that led to this point.

Speaking to Robert Peston on ITV, the former ally of Mr Johnson said while "it's sad" that the prime minister lost the support of his Cabinet, he agrees that it's time for him to step down.

"Unfortunately, it's come to the point where he [Mr Johnson] needs to resign and he won't be the leader of the Conservative Party in a very short period of time, whether that's tomorrow or next week," Mr Hancock said.

Nadhim Zahawi’s inbox is already full of impossible tasks – and he seems to have run out of ideas

06:35 , Stuti Mishra

Few would envy the new chancellor, Nadhim Zahawi, who comes to the job just as Boris Johnson’s government crumbles faster than the UK economy, writes The Independent’s business reporter Ben Chapman.The man tasked with stewarding the country’s finances has an exceptionally long to-do list.Among the challenges he faces are a cost of living crisis, a looming recession and rising interest rates that will push up the cost of government borrowing.

There is the potential for Zahawi to be in the job for only a matter of days.

But, if Johnson’s government survives, what are the chancellor’s priorities and how might he deal with them?

Read here:

Analysis: Nadhim Zahawi’s inbox as chancellor is full of impossible tasks

1922 Committee steps back from rule change to force out Johnson

06:20 , Stuti Mishra

The powerful 1922 Committee of Conservative backbenchers have pulled back from a threat to change party rules to allow another confidence vote in Boris Johnson.

The group decided it would be unfair to ditch the 12-month grace period currently enjoyed by the prime minister before committee elections can take place on Monday.

However, a source on the committee said the group does not expect Mr Johnson to remain in power until Monday.

My colleague Adam Forrest has more on this:

1922 Committee steps back from immediate rule change to force out Boris Johnson

Johnson ‘now like Putin’, says a former ally

06:07 , Stuti Mishra

Boris Johnson’s move to sack Michael Gove, reportedly without any consultations, is causing resentment within the Conservative party as members now accuse the prime minister of being “detached from reality”.

BBC Newsnight’s political editor Nicholas Watt has tweeted that an unnamed former ally of Mr Johnson told him that the move to sack the senior cabinet minister was an act of “revenge”.

“Sacking Gove is revenge. But Boris is now detached from reality. He is now like Putin,” Mr Watt said he was told.

ICYMI: Johnson refuses to resign after dramatic No 10 confrontation

05:56 , Stuti Mishra

Boris Johnson sacked Michael Gove after a dramatic confrontation in Downing Street with senior cabinet ministers who pleaded with him to accept that the game is up and resign.

The prime minister told the delegation he plans to “fight on” despite an extraordinary collapse in support that included more than 40 resignations.

He told colleagues he remains “focused on the important issues facing the country”, The Independent was told. His refusal to resign led to Welsh secretary Simon Hart quitting cabinet hours later and set the scene for further likely walkouts to come.

Our deputy political editor Rob Merrick reports:

How handling of club incident escalated into PM’s worst leadership crisis

05:20 , Stuti Mishra

A defiant Boris Johnson is refusing to leave Downing Street despite haemorrhaging support across the Tory ranks in the wake of the Chris Pincher scandal.

But a dramatic wave of government resignations over 24 hours and a slew of former allies withdrawing their backing has put the future of his leadership in grave doubt.

The fresh mutiny comes in the wake of the prime minister’s handling of allegations made against former deputy chief whip Mr Pincher.

Here is a timeline of the events that led up to this crisis after reports of the claims against Mr Pincher first emerged:

How handling of club incident escalated into PM’s worst leadership crisis

Alister Jack: I’m optimistic the prime minister will endure

05:02 , Stuti Mishra

The Scottish secretary has said he is “optimistic the PM will endure” and will “reset” the government, as he sought to defend Boris Johnson amid a string of Cabinet resignations.

Alister Jack also said the prime minister was “mugged” by a birthday cake at one event during the partygate scandal.

The prime minister is in a “robust” mood despite Sajid Javid, Rishi Sunak and other ministers leaving government in the wake of the Chris Pincher affair, Mr Jack said.

Read more:

Alister Jack: I’m optimistic the Prime Minister will endure

Full story: Suella Braverman says she will continue in her role despite calling for PM to quit

04:33 , Stuti Mishra

The government’s most senior law officer has called on Boris Johnson to resign after the prime minister suffered a third cabinet resignation due to his refusal to leave office, but said she will continue as attorney general.

Suella Braverman said Mr Johnson had handled matters “appallingly” in recent days and that “the balance has tipped now in favour of saying that the prime minister – it pains me to say it – but it’s time to go”.

Ms Braverman, previously a firm Johnson loyalist, said she would stand in a contest to replace him as Tory leader.

She also told ITV’s Robert Peston that she wants to replace Mr Johnson as PM.

Liam James has more:

Suella Braverman tells PM to go as Simon Hart becomes third to quit cabinet

Watch: 'Enough is enough', says Sajid Javid as he calls on ministers to oust Boris Johnson

03:00 , Emily Atkinson

‘His reign is over’: How foreign media reacted as Boris Johnson was hit by resignations

02:30 , Emily Atkinson

With Boris Johnson battling to sure up his premiership after multiple ministerial resignations, foreign media are trying to assess how much longer the British PM will be in power.

Some commentators are certain that the latest events are the nail in the coffin for Mr Johnson’s leadership. However, others are wary of predicting the fall of a leader who has miraculously survived multiple scandals and determinedly clung on as prime minister.

“Boris Johnson’s reign is in free-fall”, was the assessment of Rob Harris in the Sydney Morning Herald.

My colleague Holly Bancroft has more:

‘His reign is over’: How foreign media reacted as Boris Johnson hit by resignations

02:00 , Emily Atkinson

What do this morning’s papers have to say as calls for Boris Johnson to resign continue to plague Whitehall?

Watch: Johnson says Tories need to 'love each other' as he faces calls to quit

01:30 , Emily Atkinson

Boris Johnson refuses to resign after dramatic No 10 confrontation with cabinet ministers

01:00 , Emily Atkinson

Boris Johnson sacked Michael Gove after a dramatic confrontation in Downing Street with senior cabinet ministers who pleaded with him to accept that the game is up and resign.

The prime minister told the delegation he plans to “fight on” despite an extraordinary collapse in support that included more than 40 resignations.

He told colleagues he remains “focused on the important issues facing the country”, The Independent was told. His refusal to resign led to Welsh secretary Simon Hart quitting cabinet hours later and set the scene for further likely walkouts to come.

Our deputy political editor Rob Merrick reports:

PM refuses to resign after dramatic No 10 confrontation with cabinet ministers

Matt Hancock rules out leadership bid

Thursday 7 July 2022 00:30 , Emily Atkinson

Former health secretary Matt Hancock has ruled out running in a potential Tory leadership race, but told ITV’s Robert Peston that he is “happy to serve” in government.

Watch: Who could replace Boris Johnson in the role of prime minister?

Thursday 7 July 2022 00:00 , Emily Atkinson

Boris Johnson’s flagship levelling up department left with only one paid minister after Gove sacked

Wednesday 6 July 2022 23:45 , Emily Atkinson

The ministry created to carry out Boris Johnson’s promise to level up Britain has been hollowed out over the course of a tumultuous few days in Westminster.

Following a string of resignations and the sacking of Michael Gove, the head of the department, only one paid minister remained at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on Wednesday night.

Liam James reports:

PM’s flagship levelling up ministry left with only one paid minister

Less than a fifth of MPs support Boris Johnson - reports

Wednesday 6 July 2022 23:26 , Emily Atkinson

Suella Braverman says she will run in Tory leadership race

Wednesday 6 July 2022 23:09 , Emily Atkinson

Attorney General Suella Braverman, who has previously been a Boris Johnson loyalist, has said it is time for the PM “to go”.

She has also told ITV’s Robert Peston that she wants to replace Mr Johnson as PM.

Wednesday 6 July 2022 23:01 , Emily Atkinson

Here is a list of the 43 MPs who have resigned from the government since Tuesday evening.

It is the equivalent of around a quarter of the total “payroll vote” in the Commons - the number of MPs who hold positions from which they would have to resign in order to oppose the government.

The 43 comprises three cabinet ministers, 15 ministers, 20 parliamentary private secretaries, four trade envoys and one vice-chair.

1. Sajid Javid, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care

2. Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer

3. Andrew Murrison, trade envoy to Morocco

4. Bim Afolami, Conservative Party vice-chairman

5. Saqib Bhatti, parliamentary private secretary at the Department of Health and Social Care

6. Jonathan Gullis, parliamentary private secretary at the Northern Ireland Office

7. Nicola Richards, parliamentary private secretary at the Department for Transport

8. Virginia Crosbie, parliamentary private secretary at the Welsh Office

9. Theo Clarke, trade envoy to Kenya

10. Alex Chalk, Solicitor General

11. Laura Trott, parliamentary private secretary at the Department for Transport

12. Will Quince, parliamentary under-secretary of state for children and families at the Department for Education

13. Robin Walker, minister of state for school standards at the Department for Education

14. Felicity Buchan, parliamentary private secretary at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

15. John Glen, minister of state at the Treasury

16. Victoria Atkins, minister of state for prisons and probation at the Ministry of Justice

17. Jo Churchill, parliamentary under-secretary of state at the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs

18. Stuart Andrew, minister of state for housing at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities

19. Selaine Saxby, parliamentary private secretary at the Treasury

20. Claire Coutinho, parliamentary private secretary at the Treasury

21. David Johnston, parliamentary private secretary at the Department for Education

22. Kemi Badenoch, minister of state at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities

23. Julia Lopez, minister of state at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport

24. Lee Rowley, parliamentary under-secretary of state at the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy

25. Neil O’Brien, parliamentary under-secretary of state at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities

26. Alex Burghart, parliamentary under-secretary of state at the Department for Education

27. Mims Davies, parliamentary under-secretary of state at the Department for Work & Pensions

28. Duncan Baker, parliamentary private secretary at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities

29. Craig Williams, parliamentary private secretary at the Treasury

30. Mark Logan, parliamentary private secretary at the Northern Ireland Office

31. Rachel Maclean, parliamentary under-secretary of state for safeguarding at the Home Office

32. Mike Freer, parliamentary under-secretary of state for exports at the Department for International Trade

33. Mark Fletcher, parliamentary private secretary at the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy

34. Sara Britcliffe, parliamentary private secretary at the Department for Education

35. Ruth Edwards, parliamentary private secretary at the Scottish Office

36. Peter Gibson, parliamentary private secretary at the Department for International Trade

37. David Duiguid, trade envoy for Angola and Zambia

38. James Sunderland, parliamentary private secretary at the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs

39. Jacob Young, parliamentary private secretary at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities

40. James Daly, parliamentary private secretary at the Department for Work & Pensions

41. David Mundell, trade envoy for New Zealand

42. Danny Kruger, parliamentary private secretary at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities

43. Simon Hart, Secretary of State for Wales

Ed Argar resigns as DHSC minister

Wednesday 6 July 2022 22:52 , Emily Atkinson

Cabinet minister Simon Hart resigns

Wednesday 6 July 2022 22:39 , Emily Atkinson

Wales secretary Simon Hart has tendered his resignation, saying there seems “no other option left.”

“There was never a dull moment,” the Cabinet minister writes, describing Boris Johnson’s premiership.

Liam James has more here:

Simon Hart resigns as Welsh secretary after PM refuses to resign

Wednesday 6 July 2022 22:26 , Emily Atkinson

Boris Johnson’s PPS James Duddridge downplayed the departure of Conservative MP Danny Kruger, saying “a number of colleagues” believe the PM should carry on.

Asked about Mr Kruger’s resignation as PPS for the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, which happened as he was speaking on Sky News, Mr Duddridge said: “I’m sorry but he’s not a minister.”

“I mean, PPSs, I say this as a PPS, this is the lowest form of promotion, it’s an unpaid role helping your boss”.

Asked about Mr Kruger’s comment that Mr Johnson should go rather than Michael Gove, Mr Duddridge said: “There are people that think he should go, Danny’s one of them.

“It’s a perfectly understandable view for some people to have.

“I don’t agree with that. There’s a number of colleagues that don’t agree with that and the prime minister thinks that he can go on and deliver”.

‘Major appointments’ to be made by prime minister

Wednesday 6 July 2022 22:15 , Emily Atkinson

James Duddridge indicated that while some “major appointments” will be made by the prime minister, it was “unlikely” all will be made tonight.

“There is business as usual, things happening,” Boris Johnson’s PPS told Sky News.

“He has consulted with his cabinet. He’s staying and he is taking things forward,” he insisted.

Wednesday 6 July 2022 22:07 , Emily Atkinson

The chair of the justice select committee has said Britain is being “made a laughing stock” by Boris Johnson’s “obsessive selfishness.”

All the Tory MPs who have quit Boris Johnson’s government

Wednesday 6 July 2022 22:03 , Emily Atkinson

Cabinet big-hitters like Rishi Sunak and Sajid Javid quitting has dominated the headlines, but the disintegration of Boris Johnson’s government is both broad and deep.

Those quitting have ranged from PPSes to government trade envoys, to ministers of state, under-secretaries of state, right up to Cabinet ministers and the chancellor.

Jon Stone and Samuel Lovett have the details:

All the Tory MPs who have quit Boris Johnson’s government

Zahawi ‘solidly behind’ PM, says Johnson’s PPS

Wednesday 6 July 2022 21:52 , Emily Atkinson

James Duddridge, a parliamentary private secretary to the prime minister, promised tax cuts from Boris Johnson and his new chancellor.

Mr Duddridge told Sky News that Nadhim Zahawi is “solidly behind” the prime minister and said that there would be other Government appointments to be made.

“He is going to announce a new economic strategy, that is going to happen some time next week.

“But as a tax-cutting Conservative, I am really pleased to say there will definitely be tax cuts in that speech. I don’t know the details, we’ll have to wait for that, but that is the red meat that the backbenchers wanted.”

Gove ‘did not offer PM an ultimatum’ before sacking

Wednesday 6 July 2022 21:46 , Emily Atkinson

Wednesday 6 July 2022 21:41 , Emily Atkinson

Danny Kruger MP has stepped down as PPS to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities in the wake of Michael Gove’s sacking.

Another trade envoy quits government

Wednesday 6 July 2022 21:34 , Emily Atkinson

Trade envoy David Mundell has resigned within minutes of reports that Michael Gove had been sacked as a senior member of the cabinet.

He cites his writing of a letter of no confidence in the PM earlier this week as his reason for leaving government.

He tweets: “Clearly such views are not compatible with holding a government role and accordingly I have stood down as UK Trade Envoy to New Zealand.”

Boris Johnson sacks Michael Gove as PM vows to ‘fight on’

Wednesday 6 July 2022 21:30 , Emily Atkinson

Boris Johnson has sacked senior cabinet minister Michael Gove after the levelling up secretary told him he had lost support of the Conservative Party and should resign.

The prime minister is refusing to resign and will “fight on”, his allies say – after a dramatic confrontation inside No 10 with senior cabinet ministers who pleaded with him to accept the game is up.

He senior ministers he remains “focused on the important issues facing the country”, The Independent was told – setting the scene for further likely walkouts in the hours to come.

Adam Forrest has this breaking story:

Boris Johnson sacks Michael Gove as PM vows to ‘fight on’

Wednesday 6 July 2022 21:21 , Emily Atkinson

Michael Gove has been sacked by prime minsiter Boris Johnson.

More to follow

PM ‘will fight on’, says ally - with further cabinet reshuffle expected

Wednesday 6 July 2022 21:20 , Adam Forrest

Mr Johnson’s parliamentary private secretary James Duddridge told Sky News: “The prime minister is in buoyant mood and will fight on. He has a 14 million mandate and so much to do for the county.”

The senior ally added: “I expect him to make senior cabinet appointments this evening.”

Mr Duddridge also said the PM and chancellor Nadhim Zahawi will set out their “new economic plan” next week, rather than tomorrow – which suggests Mr Zahawi had been persuade to stay.

‘Dear god, let it end’: Johnson’s day of denial as No 10 staff despair

Wednesday 6 July 2022 21:10 , Jane Dalton

After a stinging attack on Boris Johnson from Sajid Javid and with calls to quit from ministers including Michael Gove, Downing Street insiders were reduced to tears.

Then a plot among cabinet ministers to tell the prime minister to go became increasingly public.

But insiders reveal how the prime minister seemed lost in denial:

‘Dear god, let it end’: Inside Johnson’s day of denial as No 10 staff despair

Another aide quits with stinging attack

Wednesday 6 July 2022 21:02 , Jane Dalton

Redcar and Cleveland MP Jacob Young said he was resigning as a parliamentary private secretary in the Department of Levelling Up and called for the Prime Minister to step aside to “allow the country to move forward”.

In a letter, he told Boris Johnson his position was no longer tenable.

“Sadly, you no longer command the support of the parliamentary party and as you have not heeded the advice given to you, I feel I am left with no choice but to step down,” he wrote.

“You know of my personal loyalty to you, and so you will now how it pains me to withdraw my support in this way.”

He added: “Today you are failing to listen to those most loyal to you. It is out of that same loyalty that I urge you to now step aside, and allow the country to move forward.”

Johnson tells ministers he is refusing to quit

Wednesday 6 July 2022 20:16 , Jane Dalton

Boris Johnson has told ministers he will not be resigning, according to a senior ally.

The source close to the prime minister told The Independent he had refused to stand down when he spoke to members of his team.

Wednesday 6 July 2022 20:00 , Emily Atkinson

Nadine Dorries has left No 10.

Asked if she still supported PM, she said: “Oh yes.”

- Adam Forrest

Priti Patel tells Boris Johnson his time is up as calls mount for him to resign

Wednesday 6 July 2022 19:48 , Emily Atkinson

Priti Patel has told Boris Johnson he cannot continue as prime minister as Conservative calls for new leadership mount.

Liam James has this breaking story:

Priti Patel tells Boris Johnson his time is up as calls mount for him to resign