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Boris Johnson has become the third minister to walk out over Theresa May’s Brexit plans, following the resignations of David Davis and Steve Baker this morning.
Johnson, a prominent and vocal Brexiteer, has stepped away from his role as foreign secretary.
A Downing Street spokesperson said: “This afternoon, the prime minister accepted the resignation of Boris Johnson as foreign secretary. His replacement will be announced shortly. The prime minister thanks Boris for his work.”
After a compromised negotiating position was agreed last week by the UK cabinet, Johnson is reported to have described backing the plan as like "polishing a turd".
There is now increasing speculation that Theresa May could face a vote of no confidence, which would cast serious doubts over progress in Brexit negotiations between the UK and EU.
Tom Watson MP, deputy leader of the Labour Party, responding to Boris Johnson’s resignation, said: “Theresa May’s government is in meltdown. This is complete and utter chaos."
Those comments were echoed earlier by the Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon. In a tweet, Sturgeon said: “The Chequers unity didn’t last long. This UK government is in utter chaos and ebbing authority by the day. What a shambles.”
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