UK Cabinet to see resignations over Brexit ‘loyalty pledge’

The British ministers for justice and finance have now both announced they plan to resign from the government in the case that the next Prime Minister pursues a no-deal Brexit.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond and Justice Secretary David Gauke made their announcements this month in the face of a contest between Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt for leadership of the Conservative Party.

Both lead candidate Johnson and his opponent Hunt have made strong statements to the effect that the UK must leave the EU on the current Brexit deadline of October 31st, with or without a deal.

In an interview on BBC’s Andrew Marr show, Hammond made reference to a ‘loyalty pledge’ which Johnson has demanded of his prospective cabinet ministers, committing to the October deadline.

Asked if he expected to be sacked as Chancellor under the new leadership, Hammond replied “I’m sure I’m not going to be sacked, because I’m going to resign”. He clarified that he would offer his resignation on Wednesday, to current PM Theresa May, before the change of leadership takes effect.

Justice Secretary Gauke made a similar announcement earlier this month, adding at the time that a bloc of Conservative MPs would be seeking means to exercise Parliamentary powers and stop a no-deal Brexit from occurring without Parliament’s consent.

When Hammond was asked whether he would support a vote of no-confidence against Johnson’s or Hunt’s government to prevent a no-deal Brexit, he said only “I don’t think it will get to that”.