Two government ministers, James Heappey and Robert Halfon, have resigned from their positions and announced their departure as Tory MPs in the upcoming general elections. This has triggered a mini-reshuffle within Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's administration.
Heappey, who had previously announced his retirement as an MP, expressed gratitude for his time as Armed Forces Minister. He highlighted his tenure's involvement in significant events, including pandemic responses and international diplomacy.
Halfon, after 23 years as the MP for Harlow, cited the need for renewal in his resignation letter to the Prime Minister. He praised Sunak's work ethic, integrity, and problem-solving abilities but expressed concerns about the party's electoral prospects.
Their departures add to the growing number of Conservative MPs quitting parliament, with 63 having announced their resignation. This reflects the challenging political climate for the party, with mounting concerns over electoral prospects and internal unrest. Sunak faces the task of navigating a reshuffle while confronting broader political challenges.