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Brexit LIVE: Boris Johnson's brother quits as minister and MP

5 September 2019, 16:25

Jo Johnson, brother of Prime Minister Boris Johnson, has resigned as a Tory minister and MP
Jo Johnson, brother of Prime Minister Boris Johnson, has resigned as a Tory minister and MP. Picture: PA

By Maddie Goodfellow

Jo Johnson has resigned as an MP and minister, saying that he is "torn between family loyalty and the national interest".

Prime Minister Boris Johnson's younger brother has quit his roles at MP for Orpington and Tory business minister, citing "unresolvable tension" in his role.

Jo Johnson campaigned for Remain in the 2016 EU referendum, whilst his brother co-led the leave campaign.

The shock resignation follows the removal of the Tory whip from 21 MPs for supporting rebel moves to prevent a no-deal Brexit.

The news also comes just as Boris Johnson announced he will give MPs another opportunity to vote on a general election before parliament is prorogued next week.

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