Sajid Javid and Rishi Sunak quit as health secretary and chancellor over Boris Johnson’s leadership

Both the health secretary Sajid Javid and chancellor Rishi Sunak have resigned from their roles over Prime Minister Boris Johnson's conduct in office, they have announced on social media.

breaking
Javid: Last month's vote of no confidence was a “moment for humility, grip, and new direction” • Source: UK Parliament (Richard Townshend)

Mr Javid revealed on Twitter this evening (July 5) that, having spoken with Mr Johnson, he has handed in his resignation as secretary of state for health and social care.

“It has been an enormous privilege to serve in this role, but I regret that I can no longer continue in good conscience,” he wrote.

In his resignation letter, he said that the vote of no confidence that took place last month was a “moment for humility, grip, and new direction”.

“I regret to say, however, that this situation will not change under your leadership – and you have therefore lost my confidence too,” Mr Javid added.

He leaves his role at a crucial time for the pharmacy sector, having announced intentions to reform primary care – starting with pharmacy – at the NHS ConfedExpo in Liverpool last month.

Rishi Sunak resigns too

Quitting moments after Mr Javid, chancellor Rishi Sunak also announced his resignation on Twitter this evening.

He wrote in his letter to Mr Johnson: “In preparation for our proposed joint speech on the economy next week, it has become clear to me that our approaches are fundamentally too different.

“I am sad to be leaving government, but I have reluctantly come to the conclusion that we cannot continue like this,” Mr Sunak added.

Mr Sunak has previously showed his support for the pharmacy sector, visiting and testing the hypertension service at a Knights Pharmacy branch in March this year, while he most recently visited the Boots UK headquarters as part of visits organised by HM Treasury to connect with different industries across the UK.

However, as the holder of the government's budget, he has faced criticism for not providing pharmacies with COVID-19 costs relief and failing to adequately fund the sector.

Sign in or register for free

Latest from News

Sebco coal tar scalp ointment appointed by DHSC to support current shortages

 • comment

Due to shortages in coal tar scalp ointment, the DHSC has asked the manufacturer of an equivalent product - Sebco - to provide increased stock levels to support patients during this time.

Pharmacies to boost naloxone stock amid ‘sudden’ overdose spike

 
• By 
 • comment

Pharmacies in Scotland have been asked to ensure they have the “appropriate stock” of naloxone – a medicine used to reverse the effects of an opiate overdose – following an “increase in sudden collapse” due to overdoses.

Cuts and commissioning: What does NHSE’s axing mean for ICBs?

 
• By 
 • comment

As the dust settles on the announcement that NHS England (NHSE) is set for the scrapheap, questions on what a 50% headcount cut means for local commissioners remain…

More from Business

breaking news

IN FULL: Boots’ parent company sold in $24bn private equity deal

 
• By 
 • comment8

Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) has “entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired” by private equity firm Sycamore Partners.

Jhoots accounts: Shareholder funds tumble while debts soar

 
• By 
 • comment2

Jhoots Chemist’s accounts for 2024 have revealed an almost £2 million year-on-year dip in shareholder funds – as debts to creditors increase more than £2m.