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Chancellor Rishi Sunak and health secretary Sajid Javid resign from government

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CHANCELLOR Rishi Sunak and health secretary Sajid Javid have resigned from Boris Johnson’s government.

The chancellor, who quit moments after Mr Javid, 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 that is why I am resigning.”

In his letter to the PM, Mr Javid said he could “no longer, in good conscience, continue serving in this government” as he referenced the tone and values of Mr Johnson reflecting “on your colleagues, your party and ultimately the country”.

He added: “It is clear to me that this situation will not change under your leadership – and you have therefore lost my confidence too.”

The pair’s resignations came minutes after Mr Johnson gave an interview admitting he should not have appointed MP Chris Pincher as deputy chief whip in February after claims the MP groped two men last week.

As the most senior person in government after the prime minister, Mr Sunak’s resignation is a big blow to Mr Johnson while Mr Javid, who ran against Mr Johnson in the leadership election, has played a major role during the pandemic.

It is understood that the pair had not coordinated their resignations but Mr Sunak may have already been preparing to step down and was prompted to this evening by Mr Javid’s announcement.

Following their resignations, several cabinet ministers said they will not be doing so. They include: Justice Secretary Dominic Raab, Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng, Home Secretary Priti Patel, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, Attorney General Suella Braverman, International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan, Brexit Opportunities Minister Jacob Rees-Mogg, and Scotland Secretary Alister Jack

Wales Secretary and South Pembrokeshire MP Simon Hart also confirmed that he would not be resigning.

Last Friday, after Playbook reported the PM had been informed of allegations against Pincher before appointing him, his spokesman said initially that he was “not aware of any allegations” before correcting himself to clarify he meant “specific” ones, and insisted that “in the absence of any formal complaint it was not appropriate to stop the appointment on the basis of unsubstantiated” claims …

On Monday, after the Sunday Times published details of how an MP raised a specific incident with a No. 10 aide and the incoming chief whip in February, the spokesman said the PM had been aware of “media reports” and “some allegations that were either resolved or did not progress to a formal complaint,” adding again that he deemed it wouldn’t be right to block the appointment “in the absence of any formal complaint” …

Now, the BBC’s Ione Wells reports that Johnson and his deputy Dominic Raab were told of a formal complaint about Pincher which — crucially — triggered a disciplinary process that confirmed Pincher’s misconduct in 2018. Let’s see what No. 10 comes up with today.

Eyebrows were raised by many when serving government minister Greg Hands published a tweet last night rubbishing the government’s policy on the civil service fast stream. In fewer than 280 characters, Hands illustrates one of the biggest problems that No. 10 has on its hands: the collapse in frontbench discipline. Hands is no old Johnson ally — he backed Jeremy Hunt in the leadership contest and pointedly quit over Heathrow expansion in 2018 at a time when Johnson didn’t — but has been very loyal since Johnson became PM, and gave him his full-throated backing ahead of the confidence vote. As a Tory source pointed out to Playbook: “If you want an illustration of how much his authority has sapped since the vote of no confidence … that’s it.”

Hands is not the first to test the principle of collective responsibility.

On Friday, Welsh Secretary and South Pembrokeshire MP Simon Hart all but ripped up the No. 10 lines he had been given for the morning broadcast round, saying instead when asked if Pincher should lose the whip: “I know what I’d like to see happen — you can probably tell what that is by the way I’m trying to avoid answering your question…

“I think we might be having a very different conversation as the day goes on”, he added.

Crime

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

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A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.

Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.

The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.

During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”

The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.

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Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

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ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

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Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

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MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.

Mark your calendars and join the excitement as Milford Haven celebrates the season in style!

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