Expectation is growing that Prime Minister Boris Johnson will have to stand down after two of his most senior ministers quit cabinet yesterday evening (Tuesday 5 July) as more facts emerged about the Chris Pincher affair.

The Downing Street Office of the Prime Minister had earlier denied the level of knowledge Mr Johnson had about the past record of the Tamworth MP, who has admitted groping men and unacceptable conduct in Parliament while drunk, before appointing him to a position in the Conservative Whips' office. He has already been suspended from the Conservative Party and now faces other allegations.

Mr Johnson has admitted he had been told about complaints about Mr Pincher in 2019 and made a "bad mistake" by not acting on it.

Within minutes of that admission, Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Health Secretary Sajid Javid resigned. Mr Sunak said the public expect "government to be conducted properly, competently and seriously" while Mr Javid told the Prime Minister he can "no longer, in good conscience, continue serving in this government".

Expectation is now rife that Mr Johnson will finally have to fall on his sword and resign after months of criticism over his conduct, decisions and attempts to avoid blame for 'Partygate' and other government failing.

Dawlish reaction

L to R: Anne Marie Morris MP (By Richard Townshend, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=86673656, changes made), Cllr Martin Wrigley (DCC)

Newton Abbot MP Anne Marie Morris, whose constituency includes Dawlish, has declined to comment.

Councillor Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrats, Dawlish) said: "This is a massive vote of no confidence in Boris Johnson from his own top team after Tiverton and Honiton lead the way. 

"Right now the country needs leadership and vision to help people through the cost of living crisis, war in Europe, and even the climate crisis, Boris Johnson is just creating chaos and making up stories. The country needs a new leader, a new government and a parliament that can help the nation and the people in these very difficult times.

"Boris Johnson should resign, and his cabinet with him. It's time for a change."