Former Westside BID director Saqib Bhatti has resigned as a parliamentary private secretary in protest at prime minister Boris Johnson’s lack of integrity.
The action by Mr Bhatti, who became MP for Meriden in the 2019 General Election, followed the exits of Sajid Javid, who quit his job as health secretary, and Rishi Sunak, who stepped down as chancellor of the exchequer.
A current total of 12 resignations have rocked the government, although as this story went to press Mr Johnson has showed no sign of stepping down.
Mr Bhatti, who before becoming an MP was a director of the family accountancy firm Younis Bhatti & Co Ltd on Broad Street, wrote in his letter of resignation that his conscience would not allow him to continue in his government role.
Mr Bhatti, who had served as a parliamentary private secretary in the Department of Health and Social Care, wrote: “The Conservative and Unionist Party has always been the party of integrity and honour.
“I feel that standards in public life are of the utmost importance, and the events of the past few months have undermined public trust in all of us.
“I have been grappling with these issues for some time and my conscience will not allow me to continue to support this administration. It is for this reason I must tender my resignation.”
He added he would continue to fight for his constituents in Meriden.
The resignations come as the fall-out from Tamworth MP Christopher Pincher’s resignation from government amid accusations that he groped young men. Mr Pincher had the whip removed on Friday but continues as an independent MP.
However, accusations that Boris Johnson knew of allegations against Mr Pincher before he was appointed deputy chief whip have placed Downing Street and the PM in a difficult position.
At first those allegations were denied, before the PM later admitted he knew of claims against Mr Pincher.
