Sajid Javid resigns as chancellor as Boris Johnson reshuffles his government

Sajid Javid has resigned as Chancellor of the Exchequer as the prime minister reshuffles his government.

Mr Javid’s departure has stunned Westminster on a day when there were expectations of only a moderate shake-up of Boris Johnson’s government. Javid resigned less than four weeks before he was due to present this year’s budget

Reports indicate that Javid resigned after the prime minister demanded that the chancellor sack all of his special advisers with whom there has been some turbulence in recent weeks.

“The chancellor refused and as a result both sides decided to part company.”

Apart from Javid, Northern Ireland Secretary Julian Smith and Business Secretary Andrea Leadsom are among the early casualties as Boris Johnson begins a cabinet reshuffle.

Housing Minister Esther McVey and Environment Secretary Theresa Villiers are also out of the government.

Attorney General Geoffrey Cox, who attended cabinet, has resigned.

Most of the cabinet were appointed when Mr Johnson became prime minister in July.

This is a developing story