The prime minister apologized to “everyone who has been badly hurt”, adding: “I just want to make it absolutely clear that there is no place in this government for anyone who is predatory or who abuses their position of power.” He also said: “If I had my time again, I would think it over and recognize that he wouldn’t have learned any lessons and he wouldn’t have changed and I regret it. Earlier on Tuesday, it was confirmed that the Prime Minister had previously been told of an investigation into the disgraced MP’s misconduct in 2019, despite days of Number 10 saying Mr Johnson was not aware of specific allegations against his former deputy leader. Mr Pincher resigned last week after being accused of fondling two men at a private members’ club, but it emerged on Monday that he had already been investigated for his behavior three years ago. In an explosive letter to a parliamentary commissioner published on Tuesday, former Foreign Office permanent secretary Lord MacDonald accused Downing Street of making “inaccurate claims”, saying they “keep changing their story and still not telling the truth”. . Politics Hub: Boris Johnson under growing pressure to explain Speaking to reporters today, a Number 10 spokesman confirmed Mr Johnson was informed of the resignation in late 2019, but said the Prime Minister stood by reappointing Mr Pincher in February 2022. The spokesman also suggested the Prime Minister had forgotten he was told about the incident, saying: “I would add a caveat at least that this relates to a conversation, and what I believe was a brief conversation, that took place about three years ago.” Asked by broadcasters whether he had lied to Number 10 aides about his knowledge of the allegations against Mr Pincher, the Prime Minister disputed that statement. “No and let me explain what happened,” Mr Johnson said. “We are talking about a series of appointments over seven years. “Chris Pincher came into government as deputy chief whip before I became prime minister, moved to the Foreign Office, then became housing secretary and then we brought him back to be deputy chief whip. “About two and a half years ago, I received this complaint, it was something that was only put to me very casually, but I wish we had acted, especially myself, and he had not continued in the government because then he continued, I’m afraid, to behave, as far as we can see, according to the claims we have, very, very bad. “I feel sorry for those who have been badly affected by this.” Minutes after the Prime Minister spoke on the matter, Health Secretary Sajid Javid tendered his resignation. “I have spoken to the prime minister about tendering my resignation as Minister for Health and Social Care. It has been a huge privilege to serve in this role, but I regret that I can no longer continue in good conscience,” he said. in a letter. Moments later, Chancellor Rishi Sunak also dramatically resigned. “Citizens rightly expect government to be conducted properly, competently and seriously. I recognize that this may be my last ministerial job, but I believe these standards are worth striving for and that is why I am stepping down,” he said. Mr. Sunak added that “we can’t go on like this.” The prime minister spoke to reporters on Tuesday afternoon as he faced a growing Tory backlash over his handling of the controversy. Mr Johnson’s power has already been weakened by a confidence vote that saw 41% of his MPs seek to oust him, amid lingering anger over the partygate scandal. Earlier today, asking an urgent question in the Commons on the matter, Labor deputy leader Angela Rayner said: “What message does this send about the standards of this government and what they set?” But responding for the government, General Michael Ellis insisted the prime minister “acted with dignity at all times”.
