Jeremy Hunt Quits Cabinet After Boris Johnson Tried To Move Him From Foreign Office

Blow for the new prime minister as his leadership rival turns down a job offer.
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Jeremy Hunt has quit as foreign secretary after Boris Johnson tried to move him from his post.

In a blow to the new prime minister on his first day in office, Hunt refused to take the job offered to him by Johnson, reported to be defence secretary.

Hunt finished second to Johnson in the Tory leadership race just a day earlier.

He promised to give the new PM his “full support” but his sacking, alongside a purge of his supporters like Penny Mordaunt and Liam Fox, is likely to spark anger among backbenchers who wanted Johnson to build a broad-based cabinet.

In a series of tweets, Hunt said he turned down Johnson’s offer of a different role.

And he claimed he had now decided to be a “good dad” to his children, despite spending the last few weeks running to be PM.

A moderate Tory MP told HuffPost UK the government was “losing some good people”.

1/4 I would have been honoured to carry on my work at the FCO but understand the need for a new PM to choose his team. BJ kindly offered me another role but after 9 yrs in Cabinet & over 300 cab mtgs now is the time to return 2 backbenches from where PM will have my full support

— Jeremy Hunt (@Jeremy_Hunt) July 24, 2019

2/4 I've been a cabinet minister for every hour my 3 gorgeous children have been alive. So whilst it may seem strange for someone who just tried to become PM (& is a terrible cliche) I have decided now is the time for the biggest challenge of all - to be a GOOD DAD!

— Jeremy Hunt (@Jeremy_Hunt) July 24, 2019

3/4 It has been a huge honour 2 be responsible 4 the finest diplomatic service in the world & 2 see the courage & wisdom of our diplomats & intelligence services. Thanks 4 guiding me with such patience & professionalism! Proud to have stood up alongside you for British values.

— Jeremy Hunt (@Jeremy_Hunt) July 24, 2019

4/4 Also most importantly heartfelt thanks to the 1/3 of Conservative Party members who supported me. Despite being the outsider, the #HastobeHunt campaign was spirited & smart (if I do say so myself). I was truly humbled with the confidence placed in me by so many people.

— Jeremy Hunt (@Jeremy_Hunt) July 24, 2019
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