Simon Hart quits cabinet as Boris Johnson's support continues to run out

Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart has quit the UK Government after a number of hours spent in 10 Downing Street.

Mr Hart has become the third Cabinet minister to quit, following in the footsteps of Rishi Sunak and Sajid Javid.

He has been one of the loyalest supporters of the prime minister during his time in the cabinet.

In his resignation letter, he said that he wanted to help Mr Johnson “turn the ship around”, but said “we have passed the point where this is possible”.

Boris Johnson dramatically sacked cabinet rival Michael Gove just hours before Hart's resignation, and rejected calls to quit as support for his leadership collapsed at Westminster.

Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis followed Simon Hart and stood down on Thursday morning, telling Mr Johnson that government requires "honesty, integrity and mutual respect."

The recently appointed Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi, has told the prime minister he must do "the right thing and go now."

Whilst Education secretary Michelle Donelan, who was also only appointed to the role two days ago, has resigned.

But last night Mr Johnson rejected suggestions he should seek a “more dignified exit” and will instead fight for his political future.

According to the PA News Agency, a Number 10 source said: “The Prime Minister has a mandate from 14 million people to get a job done. He’s very conscious of his commitment to them

“If the party wants to stop him they have to take that mandate away.”