Desperate Boris Johnson hit by fresh wave of resignations as several Tory ministers quit

Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis told Boris Johnson things were 'beyond the point of no return' as 'he was leading a new wave of conservative resignations this morning

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Image: Getty Images)

Boris Johnson was hit by a fresh wave of resignations this morning as Tory ministers deserted his crumbling government.

Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis told the Prime Minister that things were 'past the point of no return' in a damning letter just before 7am.

Secretary of the Exchequer Helen Whately followed him out of the cabinet minutes later, followed by Science Minister George Freeman and Security Minister Damian Hinds.

Pension Minister Guy Opperman also resigned just before 8am, telling Mr Johnson that 'recent events have made it clear that the government simply cannot operate with you in charge'.< /p>

Technology Minister Chris Philp followed, as did Justice Minister James Cartlidge.

The morning wave of resignations came after the prime minister was hit by the most 24-hour resignations of any sitting government, shattering the previous record from 1932.

Brandon Lewis has become the 47th Tory MP – and fourth Cabinet Minister – to decide he can no longer work under Boris Johnson.

Boris Johnson clings to power (

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Tim Hammond / No10 Downing Street)

In his letter of resignation, Mr. Lewis said: "I have given you and those around you the benefit of the doubt.

"I have come out and defended this government both publicly and privately. We have passed the point of no return, however.

“I cannot sacrifice my personal integrity to defend things as they are now. It is clear that our party, our parliamentary colleagues, the volunteers and the whole country deserve better...