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Jo Johnson, minister of state at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), has resigned from his position and his seat in the House of the Commons.
In a tweet, the MP for Orpington and brother of prime minister Boris Johnson said he had been “torn between family loyalty and the national interest” in recent weeks.
It’s been an honour to represent Orpington for 9 years & to serve as a minister under three PMs. In recent weeks I’ve been torn between family loyalty and the national interest – it’s an unresolvable tension & time for others to take on my roles as MP & Minister. #overandout
— Jo Johnson (@JoJohnsonUK) September 5, 2019
The resignation represents another blow to Boris Johnson’s fledgling government, which lost a series of votes in Parliament yesterday (4 September).
In a furious debate in the Commons, Johnson challenged leader of the opposition Jeremy Corbyn to a general election – a motion which was later defeated.
Only last month did BEIS confirm its new ministerial team, headed by secretary of state Andrea Leadsom.
Utility Week has contacted BEIS for comment.
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