MNI BRIEF: Key UK PM Johnson Ally Resigns, As Walkout Goes On

Another day and another round of resignations from UK government ministers Thursday, including a long-time Boris Johnson supporter Brandon Lewis, who, until this morning, was the Northern Ireland Secretary of State. Another tendering their resignation was Helen Whatley, who was a junior minister at the Treasury.

The latest two resignations take the total stepping down from government or party positions in the last 36 hours to 48, adding to the departure of Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove, sacked by Johnson Wednesday.

Johnson, who appears to have lost the support of both his Cabinet and his wider parliamentary party, is refusing to step down, saying he will continue to govern.