Double blow as ministers quit Sunak’s Cabinet

Two Government ministers have resigned in a double blow to Rishi Sunak, who will be forced to carry out a mini-reshuffle of his team.

Robert Halfon unexpectedly quit as skills, apprenticeships and higher education minister, while James Heappey followed through on his stated intention to step down as armed forces minister ahead of exiting Parliament at the general election.

Veteran MP Mr Halfon, who has served in a series of senior roles since first being elected to parliament in 2010, said in a letter to Mr Sunak: “After well over two decades as the Harlow Parliamentary Candidate and as MP, I feel that it is time for me to step down at the forthcoming general election, and in doing so, to resign as a minister in your Government.”

Mr Heappey, the Conservative MP for Wells, Somerset, earlier this month announced his plan to quit as an MP and to stand down as a minister before then.

In a thread posted to X, he wrote: “I’ve loved every minute as MIN A Fin this incredibledepartment. our armed Forces & MOD civil servants are the very best of us.

“Representing them in parliament& around the world over last 4.5 years has been an amazing privilege.”

But he said “the work isn’t done” in backing Ukraine, saying the UK “must continue to lead the world in the breadth and bravery of our support”.

Mr Sunak thanked Mr Heappey for his “invaluable role in implementing the Government’s Defence agenda”.

“You have made an important contribution to Government and your support to consecutive Conservative administration sat the ministry of defence has been commendable ,” the prime minister wrote in a letter.

Mr Heappey had reportedly been on “resignation watch” from his ministerial role after telling colleagues privately that he was unhappy about the level of defence spending.