James Brokenshire Resigns As Security Minister To Focus On Cancer Recovery
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Home Office minister James Brokenshire has stepped down from his position as he continues to receive treatment for lung cancer.
Brokenshire, the Conservative MP for Old Bexley and Sidcup, wrote to Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wenesday to say his he was resigning as a security minister because his recovery was taking longer than anticipated.
"Given my responsibilities to the public, the Government and to Parliament, I have therefore concluded that it is best I stand down from my Ministerial role and focus on restoring my health," he said in a letter.
Johnson replied saying he was "very sorry" that Brokenshire was resigning but fully supported his decision to focus on his health.
"I understand entirely your need to step down from your role but look forward to welcoming you back as soon as possible," the Prime Minister wrote.
Johnson signed off: "For a best wishes to a speedy return to full health!"
Brokenshire, who has previously served as Northern Ireland Secretary and Communities Secretary, was first diagnosed with lung cancer three years ago and had surgery to remove a lesion from his right lung.
In January he said he was taking leave to have further surgery because "frustratingly" he had suffered a reoccurence of the tumour.
