With the steadily-brewing chaos in Government finally coming to a point as Boris Johnson announces his resignation, we’ve pulled together a list of all the North East Tory MPs that have also resigned.
In what comes as a pivotal moment in Conservative Party history, the Prime Minister announced his resignation this morning following a string of MPs and ministers resigning from their roles in Government.
Read more: What people on the streets have to say as dozens of Tories resign under Boris
However, the disgraced PM is hoping to push to stay on in his role until Autumn, prompting a backlash from some Tory MPs who want him to leave as soon as possible.
Business Secretary wants Boris out as “soon as practicable” and does not want the PM to stay on until October.
He tweeted: “What a depressing state of affairs. So much needless damage caused.”
But which North East MPs have resigned in the North East? And which North East MPs have stayed on in their government role, despite the widespread unrest within the party?
These are the North East MPs who have resigned from their Government roles:
- Jacob Young:
Jacob Young, MP for Redcar and Cleveland, announced yesterday on Twitter that he made the decision to resign from his role as Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government.
In a statement, he announced that the PM “no longer commands the support of the parliamentary party” and that his position was “no longer tenable”.
Read more: Boris Johnson resignation LIVE: Prime Minister addresses the nation
He added: “As you have not heeded the advice given to you, I feel I am left with no choice but to step down.”
- Peter Gibson:
Peter Gibson has resigned from his role as Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Department for International Trade.
According to the Darlington MP, Mr Gibson said he was forced to resign after taking part in London Pride.
As a gay MP, he felt the “damage the party has inflicted on itself over the failure to include trans people in the ban on conversion therapy.
“It was a humiliating experience and signalled to me the immense damage that has been so needlessly inflicted after years of hard work by many to rebuild the damage of section 28.”
- Guy Opperman:
Guy Opperman, MP for Hexham and Pensions Minister, also resigned from his role in a statement early this morning.
Mr Opperman said he was “particularly upset at the behaviour of the Number Ten team during the Covid restrictions.
“Sadly, recent eventshave shown clearly that Government simply cannot function with you in charge.”
- Rishi Sunak:
Former chancellor and MP for Richmond, Rishi Sunak, announced his resignation along with Sajid Javid on July 5.
The heavy-weight minister was the catalyst leading to the events and turmoil we have found ourselves in today.
Announcing on Twitter Mr Sunak said the public “rightly expect government to be conducted properly, competently and seriously.”
Read more: County Durham woman, 61, charged and fined after being caught speeding 20mph over limit
He continued: “I have been loyal to you, and that is why I have always tried to compromise in order to deliver the things you want to achieve.”
Although many there are a few MPs who have resigned from government some MPs have continued their roles in government, despite the pressure on them to follow suit.
Paul Howell:
Mr Howell, MP for Sedgefield, is currently serving as Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
He has yet to make any official announcement on current affairs and has not resigned from his position in Government.
Matt Vickers:
It was revealed yesterday that Matt Vickers, MP for Stockton South, has made no indication that he will be resigning in his role as Parliamentary Private Secretary to Home Office Ministers.
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