UK

Chancellor Sajid Javid quits after 'PM orders him to sack his team of special advisers'

 Chancellor of the Exchequer Sajid Javid arriving in Downing Street, London. Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire
 Chancellor of the Exchequer Sajid Javid arriving in Downing Street, London. Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire  Chancellor of the Exchequer Sajid Javid arriving in Downing Street, London. Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire

Sajid Javid quit as Chancellor after Number 10 ordered him to sack his team of aides, a source close to the former minister said.

In a dramatic move which follows rumours of tensions between the ex-chancellor and Boris Johnson's closest aide Dominic Cummings, Mr Javid said that "no self-respecting minister" could accept the condition being imposed.

His former deputy at the Treasury, Chief Secretary Rishi Sunak, will take the job having reportedly agreed to a joint Number 10-Number 11 team of advisers.

The bombshell came after long-standing rumours of tensions between the ex-chancellor and Mr Johnson's closest aide Dominic Cummings.

In August he had fired Mr Javid's aide Sonia Khan and it appears Number 10 wanted to go further in keeping a closer eye on the chancellor.

"He has turned down the job of Chancellor of the Exchequer," a source close to Mr Javid said.

"The Prime Minister said he had to fire all his special advisers and replace them with Number 10 special advisers to make it one team.

Mr Javid had walked smiling into Number 10 in a sign that he expected to remain in place ahead of the March 11 Budget.

Shadow chancellor John McDonnell said Sajid Javid's resignation had left the Government in crisis.

"This must be a historical record with the Government in crisis after just over two months in power," he said.

"Dominic Cummings has clearly won the battle to take absolute control of the Treasury and install his stooge as Chancellor."

His departure came after Julian Smith was unceremoniously dumped as Northern Ireland Secretary, Andrea Leadsom was sacked as Business Secretary and Theresa Villiers lost her job as Environment Secretary.

Other senior ministers axed by Boris Johnson included Geoffrey Cox from his post as Attorney General and Esther McVey as housing minister.

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