Devastating blow for Boris Johnson as brother Jo quits as a minister and MP over Brexit
2 min read
Boris Johnson’s brother has quit as a minister and MP after becoming "torn between family loyalty and the national interest".
Jo Johnson said it had become an "unresolvable tension", which meant he had no option but to resign from both roles.
The universities minister, who also resigned from Theresa May's government in order to back a second EU referendum, made the shock announcement on Twitter.
He said: "It’s been an honour to represent Orpington for 9 years & to serve as a minister under three PMs. In recent weeks I’ve been torn between family loyalty and the national interest - it’s an unresolvable tension & time for others to take on my roles as MP & Minister. #overandout."
At the time of his first resignation, Jo Johnson took a swipe at his brother and other Leave campaigners for the "fantasy" promises they made during the 2016 referendum campaign.
But despite their clear differences over Brexit, Jo Johnson backed his brother's campaign for the Tory leadership and to serve in his government.
The stunning move comes in a week of Commons chaos, as the Prime Minister saw MPs pass a bill blocking no-deal and reject his calls for a snap election.
He has also faced a backlash from senior ministers and backbenchers within his own party for expelling 21 Tory MPs who voted against the Government on the no-deal bill.
A Downing Street spokesman said: "The Prime Minister would like to thank Jo Johnson for his service. He has been a brilliant, talented minister and a fantastic MP.
"The PM, as both a politician and brother, understands this will not have been an easy matter for Jo. The constituents of Orpington could not have asked for a better representative."
Mr Johnson will stand down as an MP at the next election, which is expected within weeks.
Shadow Education Secretary Angela Rayner said: "Boris Johnson poses such a threat that even his own brother doesn’t trust him.
"We have now had four higher education ministers in two years - just the latest sign of the chaos that the Tories have caused to education and the threat that a disastrous No Deal Brexit poses to our colleges and universities.
"We need a General Election as soon as no deal is off the table, so that a Labour government can transform our education system and society so they work for the many, not just a privileged few."
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