Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Hamas: We will not abandon our people's national rights until freedom, independence, and self-determination are achieved.
Hamas: We affirm that our people's sacrifices will not be in vain, and we will remain true to our pledge.
Hamas: The great sacrifices and steadfastness of our people have thwarted the Israeli occupation’s plans of subjugation and displacement.
Hamas: We salute our people who confronted the fascist occupation plots that targeted them and their national rights.
Hamas: We salute our people who have demonstrated unparalleled pride, heroism, and honor.
Hamas: We salute our great people in the Gaza Strip, Al-Quds, the West Bank, and both inside and outside the homeland.
Hamas: We call on President Trump and the guarantor countries to compel the occupation government to fully implement the obligations of the agreement.
Hamas: We highly appreciate the efforts of the brotherly mediators in Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, and we value the efforts of US President Donald Trump aimed at ending the war.
Hamas: We announce that an agreement has been reached, which entails an end to the war on Gaza, the withdrawal of the occupation, the entry of aid, and a prisoner exchange.
Hani al-Dali to Al Mayadeen: Allegedly, Trump is personally guaranteeing a halt to the genocide and an initial 70% withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, to be followed by a full withdrawal.

More than 50 resignations, Johnson still desperately clings to power

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Agencies + Al Mayadeen English
  • 7 Jul 2022 09:27
6 Min Read

Resignations across the UK government continue to roll as loyalists, as well as others, continue to call on Johnson to resign but he refuses and defies their calls by firing prior allies.

  • x
  • UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson clings to power as resignations roll
    UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson clings to power as resignations roll

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson clung to power on Thursday despite over 50 ministers and aides, including cabinet members, having quit the government since last Tuesday. Johnson was called on by loyalists to step down from his position.

As an act of defiance to these calls, Johnson decided to fire the first minister to request he steps down for the collective good of the Tory party and the country, Communities Secretary Michael Gove. The secretary was a top ally of the PM, and his right hand in the 2016 Brexit referendum, however, BBC reported that the latter referred to him as a “snake.”

Johnson made his "last stand," according to the Daily Express, the Daily Telegraph referred to him as "mortally wounded," and The Times said he was "fighting (for) his life." All of these publications are typically fiercely pro-Conservative.

Johnson was criticized as "desperate and deluded" by The Guardian, which is on the opposing side of the political spectrum. This shows that the general feeling in the UK across the political spectrum is united on the need for the scandal-hit PM to step down from his position.

Endless resignations

More resignations come in as a new day begins. British Minister of State (Minister of Security) Damian Hinds resigned earlier today stating that "It shouldn’t take the resignation of dozens of colleagues, but for our country, and trust in our democracy, we must have a change of leadership."

It has been a huge privilege and responsibility to serve as security minister.
It shouldn’t take the resignation of dozens of colleagues, but for our country, and trust in our democracy, we must have a change of leadership.
My letter to the PM: pic.twitter.com/V82wT5P2Ta

— Damian Hinds (@DamianHinds) July 7, 2022

Furthermore, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland & Member of Parliament for Great Yarmouth Brandon Lewis resigned and stated that "a decent and responsible Government relies on honesty, integrity, and mutual respect - it is a matter of profound personal regret that I must leave Government as I no longer believe those values are being upheld."

A decent and responsible Government relies on honesty, integrity and mutual respect - it is a matter of profound personal regret that I must leave Government as I no longer believe those values are being upheld.

I have submitted my letter of resignation to the Prime Minister. pic.twitter.com/EG6u52BdDc

— Brandon Lewis (@BrandonLewis) July 7, 2022

Furthermore, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury Helen Whately also resigned without further comments.

With sincere regret I am resigning from Government pic.twitter.com/HpQ2rgkr4q

— Helen Whately (@Helen_Whately) July 7, 2022

Science Minister George Freeman has also resigned and said that "The chaos in No10, the breakdown of Cabinet collective responsibility, the abandonment of the Ministerial code, the defence of impropriety & defiance of Parliament are all insults to the Conservatism I believe in and stand for."

Enough is enough. This can’t go on.

The chaos in No10, the breakdown of Cabinet collective responsibility, the abandonment of the Ministerial code, the defence of impropriety & defiance of Parliament are all insults to the Conservatism I believe in and stand for: pic.twitter.com/7OO5fbzdPO

— George Freeman MP (@GeorgeFreemanMP) July 7, 2022

Guy Opperman, Pensions Minister, followed other ministers and resigned with an added statement saying that "we need leadership change, and I have resigned."

It has been a honour, and a great responsibility, to serve as a minister, but we need leadership change, and I have resigned. I will continue to work for my constituents in Hexham from the backbenches.
My letter to the PM. pic.twitter.com/1BQMaY1ITI

— Guy Opperman (@GuyOpperman) July 7, 2022

Last, up until now, would be the resignation of Tech Minister Chris Philip who said in a tweet that "The PM should step down given public and Parliamentary confidence has clearly gone, and given the importance of integrity in public life."

Related News

Mass walkout at global science journal over ‘unethical’ payments

I’m deeply saddened it has come to this, but the PM should step down given public and Parliamentary confidence has clearly gone, and given the importance of integrity in public life. I’m therefore stepping down as Minister for Tech and the Digital Economy now pic.twitter.com/iXyd7inBQP

— Chris Philp (@CPhilpOfficial) July 7, 2022

The government is broken

Over 50 British governmental officials and ministers have submitted their resignations, including Solicitor General for England and Wales Alex Chalk, Health Secretary Sajid Javid, and Chancellor Rishi Sunak. Even more so, 69% of British citizens believe that Johnson should resign.

The resignation of MPs Javid and Sunak, came after Johnson admit he was aware of Christopher Pincher’s charges against Conservative MP Christopher Pincher at the time he was appointed as Deputy Chief of the Conservative Party.

The pincher scandal alongside the partygate scandal resulted in a loss of trust of the British people and their representatives in Johnson’s leadership.

When Johnson returned to Downing Street on Wednesday after a protracted questioning by a parliamentary committee, members of his cabinet confronted him.

Hardline interior minister Priti Patel and Sunak's successor Nadhim Zahawi were reportedly part of the delegation, although Johnson's Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) James Duddridge later denied Zahawi's presence.

According to Camilla Cavendish, a former head of Downing Street's policy unit, Britain no longer has "a functioning government."

Late into the evening, Johnson continued to receive calls to leave.

Suella Braverman, the attorney general, told the television network ITV that while she wouldn't step down, "the balance has tipped now in favor of saying... it's time to go."

She said that she will participate in a leadership competition.

Time to go

Mark Garnett, a senior lecturer in politics and international relations at Lancaster University, said that the resignations of Sunak and Javid indicate a "wider perception of Johnson as a vote-loser among Tory lawmakers." 

"Since Johnson's reputation for winning elections was the only reason for his rise to the premiership, MPs no longer see any reason to keep him in office and to support him through an apparently endless series of scandals," Garnett explained, adding that "there will be more resignations, but it is unlikely that any cabinet ministers will go since the remaining ones owe their position to Johnson and will lose their jobs under any of his likely successors." 

With Johnson's series of horrendous scandals and law-breaking record during the Covid-19 lockdown, conservatives and labor members alike have been calling on the PM to step down, questioning his leadership. Earlier in February, Conservative members of the parliament, even loyalists, demanded that the PM be removed from his position if investigations reveal he committed a criminal offense. Johnson barely survived the no-confidence vote, and with the ongoing resignations, he appears to not stand another chance. 

Having been challenged about a month ago with the no-confidence vote, the PM would ordinarily not face another challenge of the sort for the next year. However, the "1922 Committee" of non-ministerial Tory MPs is seeking to elect a fresh lineup of new members since the majority of the ministers left owe their position to Johnson and are likely to lose it once a successor rises to power.

On Wednesday, Boris Johnson addressed parliament and stated that "stable government, loving each other as Conservatives, getting on with our priorities." In response, resigned minister Javid told a hushed House of Commons "The problem starts at the top, and I believe that is not going to change," adding that this "means that it is for those of us in that position -- who have a responsibility -- to make that change."

At the end of the speech cries of "bye, Boris" echoed around the chamber.

Read more: Britons want Boris Johnson to resign amid ministers' revolt: Poll

  • Mass resignatins
  • Government resignation
  • UK
  • United Kingdom
  • Boris Johnson

Most Read

Tucker Carlson speaks at a memorial for Charlie Kirk, Sunday, September 21, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona (AP)

Tucker Carlson: Israeli officers gave orders on Iran inside Pentagon

  • Politics
  • 2 Oct 2025
A Hamas fighter in combat fatigues stands before the ceremony for the handover of Israeli captives to the Red Cross in Nuseirat, central Gaza Strip, Saturday, February 22, 2025 (AP)

Hamas responds to Trump plan, backs Gaza withdrawal, exchange

  • Politics
  • 3 Oct 2025
Mossad’s secret role in Aldo Moro’s 1978 murder revealed

Mossad’s secret role in Aldo Moro’s 1978 murder exposed

  • Politics
  • 5 Oct 2025
The Palestinian resistance and the people of Gaza showed that after combating Israeli aggression for two years, they remain victorious in the face of oppression (Mahdi Rteil/Al Mayadeen English)

Al-Aqsa Flood two years on, a tale of victory

  • Politics
  • 6 Oct 2025

Coverage

All
War on Gaza

Read Next

All
An Israeli armored vehicle moves on a street of a local market during a military raid in the West Bank refugee camp of Balata, Wednesday, October 8, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Israeli settlers kill Palestinian youth near Ramallah amid raids

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov speaks during the Moscow format consultations on Afghanistan in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Iran interested in resuming nuclear talks: Lavrov

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva speaks during a news conference at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) headquarters in Washington, April 25, 2025 (AP)
Politics

IMF head flags US budget, Europe Defense spending challenges

Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni addresses the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, at UN headquarters (AP)
Politics

Meloni faces ICC complaint over Gaza genocide complicity with Israelis

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS