Schools minister Robin Walker resigns

Schools minister Robin Walker has resigned from his post, saying he has “lost confidence” in prime minister Boris Johnson.

He is the latest in a string of resignations over Boris Johnson’s leadership, which included Rishi Sumak and Savid Javid leaving cabinet.

Children’s minister Will Quince also handed in his resignation this morning.

With Michelle Donelan promoted from universities minister to education secretary, after Nadhim Zahawi was promoted to chancellor - it leaves three vacancies in the Department for Education.

Robin Walker tweeted: "I have today offered my resignation from the Government & look forward to supporting conservatives & campaigning for Worcester from the backbenches, it has been a privilege to work to support our brilliant schools."

In Walker’s letter of resignation, he wrote: “I have always believed it is the job of our party to strike the right balance between efficiency and compassion, but the image being projected from the struggles of the last few months is that we risk achieving neither.

“You won the confidence of your colleagues just a few weeks ago but the events and revelations have since undermined this.

“I have publicly supported you as leader of our party and prime minister but I am afraid I feel I can do so no longer, and although I cannot think of a more rewarding job than the one I have been doing, I cannot in good conscience continue to serve in your government.”