UK cabinet member resigns over Johnson’s ‘political vandalism’

A British Cabinet member has resigned from her position, citing Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s decision to expel 21 members of the Conservative Party as one reason for her departure. 

In a letter to Johnson dated Saturday, work and pensions secretary Amber Rudd called the decision an act of “political vandalism.”

“I must also address the assault on democracy that took place when you sacked 21 talented, loyal One Nation Conservatives,” she wrote in the letter, which she posted to Twitter on Sunday. “This short-sighted culling of my colleagues has stripped the party of broad-minded and dedicated Conservative MPs. I cannot support this act of political vandalism.”

“Therefore, it is with great regret that I am also surrendering the Conservative whip,” she continued.

Johnson last week expelled a group of Conservatives from his party after they voted for a bill that would allow parliament members to introduce legislation to force the prime minister to ask the European Union for a Brexit extension if a deal isn’t reached by Oct. 31.  

In her letter, Rudd also said she does not believe obtaining a deal to leave the EU is the government’s main objective.

“The government is expending a lot of energy to prepare for “No Deal” but I have not seen the same level of intensity go into our talks with the European Union,” she wrote. 

I have resigned from Cabinet and surrendered the Conservative Whip.

I cannot stand by as good, loyal moderate Conservatives are expelled.

I have spoken to the PM and my Association Chairman to explain.

I remain committed to the One Nation values that drew me into politics. pic.twitter.com/kYmZHbLMES

— Amber Rudd MP (@AmberRuddHR) September 7, 2019

Johnson, a staunch Brexit advocate, became Prime Minister in July following Theresa May’s resignation. He has said he would want to leave the EU with or without a deal, and has attempted to suspend parliament in an effort to limit its ability to block a no-deal Brexit.