Boris Johnson news: PM’s two top aides resign on same day

Jack Doyle was the second of the PM’s aides to announce his resignation.

No 10’s director of communications had reportedly planned to leave his role after two years.

He has insisted that his departure is not linked to that of No 10 policy unit head Munira Mirza.

In his resignation speech to staff, he said that “recent weeks have taken a terrible toll on my family life”.

The former journalist reportedly attended at least two of the 12 events in Downing Street during lockdown that are under investigation by police.

A No 10 spokesman said: “Jack Doyle has left government. He has made a huge contribution and the Prime Minister is immensely grateful for the work he has done.”

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has defended the government’s plans to help households pay record-level energy prices.

During the Downing Street press conference, ITV political editor Robert Peston asked him why the poorest households – who would be “hurt most” by the costs would not be solely targeted by the £9 billion plans.

Mr Sunak said: “My view is that the price rise is so significant that it’s not just those families who are on benefits that are going to feel the pinch, it’s actually middle-income families as well – families that are working hard, they’re not on welfare, but this will be a significant increase for them.”

He added that because the “discounts” were “flat-rate” they could be viewed as “more progressive” for families on low incomes.

Mr Sunak said: “I think it you look at it in the round… I feel confident that we’re getting help to the people who need it in different ways.”

He announced the package shortly after energy regulator Ofgem said it would raise a price cap on domestic gas and power bills by 54 per cent for 22 million customers.

That would add £693 to energy bills, but Mr Sunak said the government action would offset £350 of it for most households.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak held a press conference this afternoon on his plans to help people pay record-level costs to heat and power their homes.

But journalists also asked him about Downing Street’s latest pressing matter – Munira Mirza’s departure today as the head of No 10’s policy unit.

Mr Sunak said he was “sorry” to see the departure of Ms Mirza, who he said “is a valued colleague” that he will “miss” working with.

Earlier today, Ms Mirza had quit over what she described as Boris Johnson’s “scurrilous” smear against Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and his refusal to apologise for it.

“I believe it was wrong for you to imply this week that Keir Starmer was personally responsible for allowing Jimmy Savile to escape justice,” her letter to Mr Johnson, seen by the Spectator magazine, reads.

Asked about the PM’s comments relating to Sir Keir and paedophile Savile, Mr Sunak said told reporters: “Being honest I wouldn’t have said it and I’m glad that the Prime Minister clarified what he meant.”

Downing Street said it was “very sorry” to see Munira Mirza resign.

A spokesman said: “We are very sorry Munira has left No 10 and are grateful for her service and contribution to Government.

“Andrew Griffith MP has been appointed head of the No 10 Policy Unit and will work across Government and with MPs as we continue to deliver and expand on our ambitious policy agenda.”

Mr Griffith, who is MP for Arundel and South Downs, will be based in the Cabinet Office for his new role.

Northern Ireland First Minister Paul Givan has announced his resignation from Stormont’s powersharing Executive in the DUP’s escalating protest against Brexit’s Northern Ireland Protocol.

Mr Givan said the protocol had undermined a cornerstone of powersharing in Northern Ireland.

“Today marks the end of what has been the privilege of my lifetime – to serve as the First Minister of Northern Ireland,” the Lagan Valley MLA said.

“When I first entered the Assembly 12 years ago, I never expected to have the opportunity to lead the Government and serve the people of Northern Ireland as First Minister.”

The announcement comes 24 hours after DUP Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots acted unilaterally to order a halt to agri-food checks required under the post-Brexit trading arrangements.

Civil servants have yet to implement the instruction and checks are continuing.

Mr Givan’s resignation automatically removes Sinn Fein deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill from her job because, under Stormont’s powersharing rules, one cannot hold office without the other.

Dominic Cummings suggests that there will be more people resigning from government.

Boris Johnson’s former adviser and co-founder of Vote Leave has now become one of the PM’s biggest critics.

Mr Cummings, who stepped down from his position after he had broken lockdown rules, is predicting a “mad scramble” away from Mr Johnson’s government.

Earlier he had praised Munira Mirza for her “courage” in quitting as head of No 10’s policy unit.

She said she resigned over Mr Johnson failing to apologise over a “scurrilous” allegation about Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.

He had said that Sir Keir – when he was head of the CPS – chose not to prosecute paedophile Jimmy Savile when he was alive.

Mr Cummings wrote on Twitter: “Pretty soon there will be a mad scramble & ministers will be kicking themselves hitting their heads saying ‘WHY didnt i move faster arghhh’.

“Nows your moment, find a flicker of moral courage & ‘push what is falling’.”

Jacob Rees-Mogg has been accused of spreading a “harmful clinical falsehood” about morning-after pills today.

During a parliamentary debate, the Commons leader and Tory MP was told to correct the record after he likened the use of the emergency contraceptives to an abortion.

The topic came up during a discussion on family planning and women’s health services.

In response to the question from Labour MP Diana Johnson, Mr Rees-Mogg said: “The right honourable lady cannot expect me to speak in favour of abortifacients.”

Mr Mogg said in 2017 that he was “completely opposed” to abortion – including in cases of rape or incest.

That same year, it was reported by the Sunday Mirror that Mr Rees-Mogg’s company Somerset Capital Management held £5 million shares in Kalbe Farma. The Indonesian company produces a drug used in illegal abortions.

Mr Rees-Mogg defended the stake in the firm, saying: “It would be wrong to pretend I like it but the world is not always what you want it to be.”

More on the main story here by policy correspondent Jon Stone

Here’s the letter in full, as published by The Spectator:

It is with great regret that I am writing to resign as your head of policy.

You are aware of the reason for my decision: I believe it was wrong for you to imply this week that Keir Starmer was personally responsible for allowing Jimmy Savile to escape justice. There was no fair or reasonable basis for that assertion. This was not the normal cut-and-thrust of politics; it was an inappropriate and partisan reference to a horrendous case of child sex abuse. You tried to clarify your position today but, despite my urging, you did not apologise for the misleading impression you gave.

I have served you for fourteen years and it has been a privilege to do so. You have achieved many important things both as prime minister and, before that, as Mayor of London. You are a man of extraordinary abilities with a unique talent for connecting with people.

You are a better man than many of your detractors will ever understand which is why it is…