Robert Halfon unexpectedly resigns as minister over Rishi Sunak's new headache

Robert Halfon has resigned from Rishi Sunak’s government in a shock announcement and said he will not stand as an MP at the next general election.

Mr Halfon resigned as Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Tertiary Education, telling the Prime Minister: “I feel now is the time for me to resign at the upcoming general election and at the same time resign as a minister in your government.”

Mr. Halfon added: “I believe there is admiration across the country for your work ethic, integrity and ability to solve the complex problems facing our country.”

Mr Halfon said he would “wholeheartedly” support the Prime Minister from the backbench ahead of the next election while defending the Harlow constituency.

Robert Halfon resigns as Skills, Apprenticeships and Tertiary Education Minister
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Armed Forces Minister James Heappey has officially resigned from the government, just weeks after announcing his resignation.

Mr Shippy will also resign as an MP at the next general election. The minister, who served in the armed forces in Iraq, Afghanistan and Northern Ireland before joining parliament, said in a letter published online that he had made the “painful decision” to stand down as a candidate at the upcoming general election position.

He continued: “I have come to the conclusion that now is the time to step away from politics, prioritize family and pursue a different career”.

James Heappey told voters he would stand down as an MP at the next election (Victoria Jones/PA)
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In a letter to Mr Shippy, the Prime Minister said: “You have made an important contribution to government and your support of successive Conservative governments at the Ministry of Defense is to be commended.”

Responding to Mr Halfon’s resignation, Mr Sunak said: “I am very sorry to hear about your decision to resign from government and your intention to resign at the next election.”

Mr Halfon’s surprise resignation is the latest blow to Mr Sunak, who faces a brutal series of local elections within weeks, with a general election due in October.

Mr Heappey and Mr Halfon are the 62nd and 63rd Conservative MPs to announce plans to resign at the general election expected in October.