Oliver Dowden has resigned as Chairman of the Conservative Party after the party's by-election losses.
The Hertsmere MP had served as Co-chairman since last year but will now leave the post after writing a letter of resignation to Boris Johnson.
Mr Dowden, who publicly supported Johnson over the vote of no confidence, said that his resignation was prompted by yesterday's by-election defeats and a recent string of bad results for the Tories.
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In his letter Mr Dowden said: “We cannot carry on with business as usual.
"Somebody must take responsibility and I have concluded that, in these circumstances, it would not be right for me to remain in office.
"It has been an honour to serve in your Cabinets as Party Chairman, Culture Secretary and Minister for the Cabinet Office.
"In particular, I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to our excellent Conservative volunteers and staffers who work so tirelessly for our cause.
"They are the backbone of our great party, and they deserve better than this."
Boris Johnson responded by thanking Mr Dowden for his role in the party.
Speaking to broadcasters in Rwanda, the Prime Minister said: “Thank you for your letter and I am sad to see you leave Government.
“As Minister for the Cabinet Office, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and Co-Chairman of the Conservative Party, it has been a pleasure to work alongside you for the last three years.”
A dramatic swing of almost 30% from the Tories to the Liberal Democrats saw Richard Foord secure a majority of 6,144 in Tiverton and Honiton.
In Wakefield, Simon Lightwood was elected with a majority of 4,925 on a swing of 12.7% from the Tories to Labour after a shock ‘red wall’ victory for the conservatives in 2019.
Former Conservative MP and minister Rory Stewart said Oliver Dowden’s resignation “feels like the beginning of the end” for Boris Johnson.
Mr Dowden ended his letter by saying: “I want to emphasise that this is a deeply personal decision that I have taken alone.
“I will, as always, remain loyal to the Conservative Party.”
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