Government minister James Brokenshire stands down to concentrate on fight against cancer
Minister developed tumour despite never having been smoker
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Security minister James Brokenshire has announced he is standing down from the government to concentrate on his fight against cancer.
The Old Bexley and Sidcup MP resigned as Northern Ireland secretary in 2018 for surgery to remove a lesion on his right lung, but returned to Theresa May’s cabinet later that year as housing secretary and joined the Home Office under Boris Johnson in 2020.
He announced in January he was taking a leave of absence from ministerial duties for surgery on a tumour.
But in a letter to Mr Johnson, he today said that his recovery from treatment and return to full duties was “taking longer than anticipated”.
“I have therefore concluded that it is best that I stand down from my ministerial role and focus on restoring my health,” he said.
Mr Brokenshire said he hoped “to be able to serve again in some way in the future”.
The 53-year-old father-of-three has previously said that his lung cancer diagnosis came as a “jolt” as he had never smoked.
In a letter accepting his resignation from the government, Mr Johnson said: “I look forward to welcoming you back as soon as possible.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments