CONSERVATIVE MPs across Sussex have backed the decision of Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Sajid Javid to resign from the government.

Both Cabinet ministers announced within minutes of each other this evening, leaving two major roles in the government empty and plunging the Prime Minister into one of the most serious crises of his leadership.

In a letter, the now-former Chancellor said he could no longer remain loyal to the Prime Minister, who remains mired in scandal over the appointment of Tory MP Chris Pincher to his role of deputy chief whip.

Mr Pincher quit last week following claims that he groped two men at a private members’ club, but Mr Johnson was told about allegations against him as far back as 2019.

Mr Sunak, tipped as a potential future leader of the Conservative Party, said: “The public rightly expect government to be conducted properly, competently and seriously.

“I recognise this may be my last ministerial job, but I believe these standards are worth fighting for and this is why I am resigning.”

Sally-Ann Hart, MP for Hastings and Rye, announced on Twitter that she can no longer support Boris Johnson as Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party.

She said: “Considering the further revelations that have come to light, and given that the integrity of Parliament must be upheld, on behalf of my constituents I am no longer able to support Boris Johnson as leader of the Conservative Party and Prime Minister.”

Tim Loughton, MP for East Worthing and Shoreham, said that he respected the decision of both ministers to resign from the government and to “say they can no longer go on defending the indefensible”.

He said: “Pressure being put on ministers to go our and do Number 10’s bidding to protect the PM’s dwindling integrity was appallingly unfair and unsustainable.”

Mr Loughton had previously announced he had no confidence in the Prime Minister.

MP for Bexhill and Battle also said that the Chancellor “speaks for me” in fighting for Parliamentary standards.

He said: “I am really proud of Rishi; he’s put his duty and love of his country before personal ambition and patronage.”

Maria Caulfield, MP for Lewes, and Mims Davies, MP for Mid Sussex - both government ministers, have yet to comment publicly on the resignations.

Meanwhile, Green MP for Brighton Pavilion Caroline Lucas repeated calls for the Prime Minister to resign and said that Johnson’s colleagues no longer believe he has integrity.

She said: “When your most senior Cabinet colleagues believe you don’t have integrity and aren’t running the country “properly, competently and seriously,” it’s time to stop.”