View source for List of departures from the second May ministry

{{Short description|none}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}}
This is a list of resignations from the [[Second May ministry|Second government]] formed by Prime Minister [[Theresa May]]. After forming a [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative]] [[minority government]] on 11 June 2017, Theresa May faced a significant number of [[front bench]] resignations. These included 16 departures from the [[Cabinet of the United Kingdom|Cabinet]], including three from the [[Great Offices of State]]. She experienced 60 ministerial departures with 42 of these being resignations due to disunity regarding Brexit discord. Lastly, Theresa May herself resigned on 24 July 2019, with [[Boris Johnson]] being appointed [[Prime Minister of the United Kingdom|Prime Minister]] by [[Queen Elizabeth II]] shortly after.
== Context and implications for government ==
[[File:The Cabinet table.jpg|thumb|The Cabinet table]]
The pace and amount of resignations were described as 'unprecedented' by the Institute for Government,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/whitehall-monitor-2019/ministers|title=Ministers|date=2019-01-17|website=The Institute for Government|language=en|access-date=2019-04-03}}</ref> with resignations impacting the civil functioning of the government. For example, in March 2019 fifteen posts had been left vacant due to resignations and a lack of MPs willing to fill positions. [[Secretary of State for Work and Pensions]] [[Amber Rudd]] had to take on [[Sarah Newton]]'s responsibilities as Minister of State for Disabled People as the position was left unfilled two weeks after her resignation.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/situations-vacant-struggle-to-fill-seats-of-power-left-empty-by-rebellious-mps-r72pn2dqp|title=Brexit: Struggle to fill seats of power left empty by rebellious MPs|last=Political Correspondent|first=Henry Zeffman|date=2019-03-27|work=The Times|access-date=2019-04-03|language=en|issn=0140-0460}}</ref> In less than three years, Theresa May saw more resignations than [[Premiership of Margaret Thatcher|Thatcher]] or [[Premiership of Tony Blair|Blair]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/03/27/theresa-may-to-resign-as-uk-prime-minister.html|title=Theresa May to resign as UK prime minister should Brexit deal happen|last=Reid|first=David|date=2019-03-27|website=www.cnbc.com|access-date=2019-04-03}}</ref> The resignations also occurred amid a breakdown of [[cabinet collective responsibility]], with [[Chief Whip]] [[Julian Smith (politician)|Julian Smith]] describing May's Cabinet as exhibiting the 'worst cabinet ill-discipline in history',<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.sky.com/story/chief-whip-julian-smith-attacks-ministers-for-worst-cabinet-ill-discipline-in-history-11681222|title=Chief whip Julian Smith attacks ministers for 'worst cabinet ill-discipline in history'|website=Sky News|language=en|access-date=2019-04-03}}</ref> as well as various MPs resigning the whip, including three to join [[The Independent Group]] of MPs.
==2017==
{| class="toccolours"
! Colour key
|-
| {{ubl|
{{legend0|#ADD8E6|Opposition to government policy on [[Brexit]]}}|
{{legend0|#9AFF9A|Due to a breach of the [[Ministerial Code]]}}|
}}
|}
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! style="background:#ccc;" colspan=2| Minister<br>{{small|(Cabinet members shown in bold)}}
! style="background:#ccc;"| Office
! style="background:#ccc;"| Date of resignation
! style="background:#ccc;"| Reason
|-
|- style="background:#ADD8E6;" colspan="5" |
| [[File: Official portrait of Lord Bridges of Headley crop 2.jpg|75px]]
| Rt Hon [[George Bridges, Baron Bridges of Headley|The Lord Bridges of Headley]]{{efn|group=note|name=c}}
| [[Department for Exiting the European Union|Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union]]
| 12 June
| Differences between May's approach to Brexit and his own.<ref name="Huffington Post">{{Cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/here-are-ministers-who-have-resigned-from-theresa-mays-government_uk_5bdc2573e4b09d43e31dd26b?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAHporxQ9YEhf4vRuLu-RG5E_OTqOEYJxoxNb_CI5Sxntbq6Kl8nqvWG9nY89zqwM-WVj0hP99pUgeIVRAVaWQ55qHYk9GC1dH1K_3JkijdaQew7ll6ZfFsYKUSjqUGC6n5rJVwtn11kaBPu6CNBH-QBTY_9TRrt4yEpoBwmh41jZ|title=A Whopping 30 Government Ministers Have Now Resigned Under Theresa May – Here's A List|publisher=Huffington Post|date=3 April 2019}}</ref>
|-
| [[File:Official portrait of Andrew Percy crop 2.jpg|center|frameless|100x100px]]
| [[Andrew Percy]] MP
| [[Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State]] for the [[Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government|Northern Powerhouse and Local Growth]]
| 14 June
| Decided to "pursue other challenges" and resigned despite being invited to remain in government.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/political-parties/conservative-party/news/86707/blow-theresa-may-northern-powerhouse|title=Blow for Theresa May as Northern Powerhouse minister quits government|last=PoliticsHome.com|date=2017-06-14|website=PoliticsHome.com|language=en|access-date=2019-07-22}}</ref>
|-
| [[File:Lordprice.jpg|75px]]
| Rt Hon [[Mark Price, Baron Price|The Lord Price]]{{efn|group=note|name=c}}
| [[Department for International Trade|Minister of State for Trade Policy]]
| 3 September
| Wanted to pursue 'business and writing interests'.<ref name="Huffington Post"/>
|-
| [[File:Official portrait of Baroness Anelay of St Johns, 2020.jpg|75px]]
| Rt Hon [[Joyce Anelay, Baroness Anelay of St Johns|The Baroness Anelay of St Johns]] PC{{efn|group=note|name=c}}
| [[Department for Exiting the European Union|Minister of State for Exiting the European Union]]
| 27 October
| Resigned on health grounds, due to an injury sustained in 2015.<ref name="Huffington Post"/>
|-
| [[File:Official portrait of Sir Michael Fallon crop 2.jpg|75px]]
| Rt Hon '''Sir [[Michael Fallon]]''' MP
| [[Secretary of State for Defence]]
| 1 November
| Allegations of inappropriate sexual behaviour.{{efn|group=note|name=a|One of the [[2017 Westminster sexual scandals]]}}<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-41838682|title=Fallon resigns as Defence Secretary over behaviour claims|publisher=BBC News|date=1 November 2017}}</ref>
|-
| [[File:Christopher Pincher 2012.jpg|75px]]
| [[Christopher Pincher]] MP
| [[Comptroller of the Household]]
| 5 November
| Allegations of sexual assault and harassment.{{efn|group=note|name=a}}<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/11/05/tory-whip-chris-pincherrefers-police-claim-unwanted-pass-former/|author1=Laura Hughes |author2=Christopher Hope |title=Tory Whip Chris Pincher refers himself to the police after claim of unwanted pass at former Olympic rower|date=5 November 2017|newspaper=Daily Telegraph}}</ref>
|- style="background:#9AFF9A;" colspan="5" |
| [[File:Priti Patel 2016.jpg|75px]]
| Rt Hon '''[[Priti Patel]]''' MP
| [[Secretary of State for International Development]]
| 8 November
| [[Conflict of interest]] arising from secret meetings with the [[Thirty-fourth government of Israel|Israeli government]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-41923007|title=Priti Patel quits over Israel meetings row|date=8 November 2017|publisher=BBC News}}</ref>
|-
|[[File:Official portrait of Damian Green crop 2.jpg|75px]]
| Rt Hon '''[[Damian Green]]''' MP
| [[First Secretary of State]]<br>[[Minister for the Cabinet Office]]
| 20 December
|}
==2018==
{| class="toccolours"
! Colour key
|-
| {{ubl|
{{legend0|#ADD8E6|Opposition to government policy on [[Brexit]]}}|
{{legend0|#9AFF9A|Due to a breach of the [[Ministerial Code]]}}|
}}
|}
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! style="background:#ccc;" colspan=2| Minister<br>{{small|(Cabinet members shown in bold)}}
! style="background:#ccc;"| Office
! style="background:#ccc;"| Date of resignation
! style="background:#ccc;"| Reason
|-
| [[File:Official portrait of James Brokenshire crop 2.jpg|75px]]
| Rt Hon '''[[James Brokenshire]]''' MP
| [[Secretary of State for Northern Ireland]]
| 8 January
| Resigned on health grounds, due to an upcoming lung operation.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-42608564|title=James Brokenshire: Northern Ireland Secretary resigns|publisher=BBC News|date=8 January 2018}}</ref>
|-
| [[File:Official portrait of Justine Greening crop 2.jpg|75px]]
| Rt Hon '''[[Justine Greening]]''' MP
| [[Secretary of State for Education]]
| 8 January
| Refused to accept a new position at [[Department for Work and Pensions|DWP]] during the [[2018 British cabinet reshuffle|2018 cabinet reshuffle]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ft.com/content/3a217356-f47a-11e7-8715-e94187b3017e|title=Theresa May's cabinet reshuffle goes off course|author=George Parker|date=8 January 2018|newspaper=Financial Times}}</ref>
|- style="background:#9AFF9A;" colspan="5" |
| [[File:Official portrait of Amber Rudd crop 2.jpg|75px]]
| Rt Hon '''[[Amber Rudd]]''' MP
| [[Home Secretary]]
| 29 April
| [[Misleading of parliament|Misled]] the [[Home Affairs Select Committee]] during a hearing on the [[Windrush scandal]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-43944988|title=Amber Rudd resigns as home secretary|work=BBC News|date=29 April 2018}}</ref>
|- style="background:#ADD8E6;" colspan="5" |
| [[File:Official portrait of Dr Phillip Lee crop 2.jpg|75px]]
| [[Phillip Lee (politician)|Phillip Lee]] MP
| [[Parliamentary Under Secretary of State]] for [[Ministry of Justice (United Kingdom)|Justice]]
| 12 June
| Opposition to the government's approach to [[Brexit]]. Lee later defected to the [[Liberal Democrats (UK)|Liberal Democrats]] due to the Brexit policy of [[Boris Johnson]].<ref>{{cite web |author1=Kate Proctor |author2=Peter Walker |author3=Heather Stewart |title=Phillip Lee quits Tories, leaving government without a majority |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/sep/03/phillip-lee-quits-tories-leaving-government-without-a-majority |website=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=26 October 2020 |date=3 September 2019}}</ref>
|-
| [[File:Official portrait of Greg Hands crop 2.jpg|75px]]
| Rt Hon [[Greg Hands]] MP
| [[Minister of State (United Kingdom)|Minister of State]] for [[Department for International Trade|International Trade]]
| 21 June
| Opposition to the [[Expansion of Heathrow Airport|expansion]] of [[Heathrow Airport]]; voted against the Airports National Policy Statement.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-44561170|title=Greg Hands quits as minister over Heathrow expansion|date=21 June 2018|publisher=BBC News}}</ref>
|- style="background:#ADD8E6;" colspan="5" |
| [[File:Official portrait of Mr David Davis crop 2.jpg|75px]]
| Rt Hon '''[[David Davis (British politician)|David Davis]]''' MP
| [[Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union]]
| 8 July
| Opposition to the [[Chequers Agreement]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/jul/08/david-davis-resigns-as-brexit-secretary-reports-say|title=Brexit secretary David Davis resigns plunging government into crisis|date=9 July 2018|newspaper=The Guardian|author=Heather Stewart}}</ref>
|- style="background:#ADD8E6;" colspan="5" |
| [[File:Official portrait of Mr Steve Baker crop 2.jpg|75px]]
| [[Steve Baker (politician)|Steve Baker]] MP
| [[Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State]] for [[Department for Exiting the European Union|Exiting the European Union]]
| 9 July
| Opposition to the Chequers Agreement.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-eu-baker/uk-brexit-department-minister-steve-baker-resigns-telegraph-idUSKBN1JY11X|title=UK Brexit department minister Steve Baker resigns: government source|publisher=Reuters|date=8 July 2018}}</ref>
|- style="background:#ADD8E6;" colspan="5" |
| [[File:Boris johnson (cropped).jpg|75px]]
| Rt Hon '''[[Boris Johnson]]''' MP
| [[Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs]]
| 9 July
| Opposition to the Chequers Agreement.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/jul/09/boris-johnson-resigns-as-foreign-secretary-brexit|title=Boris Johnson resigns as foreign secretary – Senior Conservative becomes third minister to walk out over Theresa May's Brexit plan|date=9 July 2018|newspaper=The Guardian|author1=Heather Stewart |author2=Pippa Crerar |author3=Dan Sabbagh }}</ref>
|- style="background:#ADD8E6;" colspan="5" |
| [[File:Official portrait of Conor Burns crop 2.jpg|75px]]
| [[Conor Burns]] MP
| [[Parliamentary Private Secretary]] to the [[Foreign Office]]
| 9 July
| Opposition to the Chequers Agreement.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/16342516.conor-burns-stands-down-from-role-after-boris-johnson-resignation/|title=Conor Burns stands down from role after Boris Johnson resignation|newspaper=Bournemouth Daily Echo|author=Sarah Cartlidge|date=10 July 2018}}</ref>
|- style="background:#ADD8E6;" colspan="5" |
| [[File:Official portrait of Chris Green crop 2.jpg|75px]]
| [[Chris Green (politician)|Chris Green]] MP
| [[Parliamentary Private Secretary]] to the [[Department for Transport]]
| 9 July
| Opposition to the Chequers Agreement.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/16343246.bolton-west-mp-chris-green-quits-department-for-transport-role-over-brexit/|title=Bolton West MP Chris Green quits Department for Transport role over Brexit|date=9 July 2018|author=Alex McIntyre|newspaper=Bolton Daily News}}</ref>
|-
| [[File:Official portrait of Andrew Griffiths crop 2.jpg|75px]]
| [[Andrew Griffiths (politician)|Andrew Griffiths]] MP
| [[Minister of State (United Kingdom)|Minister of State]] for [[Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy|Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy]]
| 13 July
| Allegations of sexual misconduct.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2018/07/14/mp-andrew-griffiths-quits-ministerial-post-sex-texts-female/|title=MP Andrew Griffiths quits ministerial post after 'sex texts' to two barmaids are revealed|newspaper=Daily Telegraph|date=14 July 2018}}</ref>
|- style="background:#ADD8E6;" colspan="5" |
|[[File:Official_portrait_of_Robert_Courts_crop_2.jpg|frameless|100x100px]]
| [[Robert Courts]] MP
| [[Parliamentary Private Secretary]] to the [[Foreign Office]]
| 15 July
| Opposition to the Chequers Agreement.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.sky.com/story/may-suffers-yet-another-resignation-as-robert-courts-quits-over-her-brexit-plan-11438048|title=May suffers yet another resignation as Robert Courts quits over her Brexit plan|author=Greg Heffer|date=15 July 2018|publisher=Sky News}}</ref>
|- style="background:#ADD8E6;" colspan="5" |
| [[File:Official portrait of Scott Mann crop 2.jpg|75px]]
| [[Scott Mann (politician)|Scott Mann]] MP
| [[Parliamentary Private Secretary]] to [[HM Treasury]]
| 16 July
| Opposition to the Chequers Agreement.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.itv.com/news/westcountry/2018-07-16/cornwall-mp-scott-mann-resigns-from-government-role-over-brexit/|title=Cornwall MP Scott Mann resigns from Government role over Brexit|date=16 July 2018|publisher=ITV News}}</ref>
|- style="background:#ADD8E6;" colspan="5" |
| [[File:Official portrait of Guto Bebb crop 2.jpg|75px]]
| [[Guto Bebb]] MP
| [[Minister for Defence Procurement]]
| 16 July
| Opposition to government-backed amendments to the Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Bill.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/breaking-defence-minister-resigns-vote-12932349|date=16 July 2018|title=Defence minister Guto Bebb resigns to vote against the Government after Theresa May accepted Brexiteer amendments to customs bill|newspaper=Daily Mirror|author=Nicola Bartlett}}</ref>
|-
| [[File:Official portrait of Tracey Crouch crop 2.jpg|75px]]
| [[Tracey Crouch]] MP
| [[Minister for Sport and Civil Society|Minister for Sport, Civil Society]] [[Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness|and Loneliness]]
| 1 November
| Opposition to policy rollout delays announced in the [[2018 United Kingdom budget|2018 budget]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-46057548|date=1 November 2018|title=Sports Minister Tracey Crouch resigns over 'delay' to betting crackdown|publisher=BBC News}}</ref>
|- style="background:#ADD8E6;" colspan="5" |
| [[File:Official portrait of Joseph Johnson crop 2 (cropped).jpg|75px]]
| [[Jo Johnson]] MP
| [[Minister of State (United Kingdom)|Minister of State]] for [[Department for Transport#Ministers|Transport]]<br />[[Minister for London]]
| 9 November
| Opposition to the government's handling of [[Brexit negotiations]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/nov/09/jo-johnson-quits-as-minister-over-theresa-mays-brexit-plan-boris|title=Jo Johnson quits as minister over Theresa May's Brexit plan|date=9 November 2018|newspaper=The Guardian}}</ref>
|- style="background:#ADD8E6;" colspan="5" |
| [[File:Official portrait of Mr Shailesh Vara crop 2.jpg|75px]]
| [[Shailesh Vara]] MP
| [[Minister of State (United Kingdom)|Minister of State]] for [[Northern Ireland Office|Northern Ireland]]
| 15 November
| Opposition to the Draft Withdrawal Agreement.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/shailesh-vara-resigns-over-theresa-may-brexit-deal-a3990766.html|title=Shailesh Vara MP: Who is the former Northern Ireland minister and why has he resigned over Theresa May's Brexit deal?|author=Georgia Chambers|date=15 November 2018|newspaper=Evening Standard}}</ref>
|- style="background:#ADD8E6;" colspan="5" |
| [[File:Official portrait of Dominic Raab crop 2.jpg|75px]]
| Rt Hon '''[[Dominic Raab]]''' MP
| [[Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union]]
| 15 November
| Opposition to the Draft Withdrawal Agreement.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/breaking-dominic-raab-resigns-brexit-13592683|title=Dominic Raab resigns as Brexit Secretary over Theresa May's deal in crushing blow|author=Dan Bloom|newspaper=Daily Mirror|date=15 November 2018}}</ref>
|- style="background:#ADD8E6;" colspan="5" |
| [[File:Official portrait of Esther McVey crop 2.jpg|75px]]
| Rt Hon '''[[Esther McVey]]''' MP
| [[Secretary of State for Work and Pensions]]
| 15 November
| Opposition to the Draft Withdrawal Agreement.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/esther-mcvey-brexit-resignation-letter-in-full-a3990846.html|title=Esther McVey's savage resignation letter in full: It's obvious to everyone Brexit deal doesn't honour referendum|author=Tom Herbert|newspaper=Evening Standard|date=15 November 2018}}</ref>
|- style="background:#ADD8E6;" colspan="5" |
| [[File:Official portrait of Suella Fernandes crop 2.jpg|75px]]
| [[Suella Braverman]] MP
| [[Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State]] for [[Department for Exiting the European Union|Exiting the European Union]]
| 15 November
| Opposition to the Draft Withdrawal Agreement.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1045711/brexit-resignations-full-list-resigns-brexit-deal-suella-braverman-Anne-Marie-Trevelyan|title=Dominic Raab's under-secretary Suella Braverman resigns as knives out for May|author=Joe Gamp|newspaper=Daily Express|date=15 November 2018}}</ref>
|- style="background:#ADD8E6;" colspan="5" |
| [[File:Official portrait of Mrs Anne-Marie Trevelyan crop 2.jpg|75px]]
| [[Anne-Marie Trevelyan]] MP
| [[Parliamentary Private Secretary]] to the [[Department for Education]]
| 15 November
| Opposition to the Draft Withdrawal Agreement.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.itv.com/news/tyne-tees/2018-11-15/berwick-mp-anne-marie-trevelyan-resigns-from-government-over-brexit-deal/|title=Berwick MP Anne-Marie Trevelyan resigns from Government over Brexit deal|date=15 November 2018|publisher=ITV News}}</ref>
|- style="background:#ADD8E6;" colspan="5" |
| [[File:Official portrait of Mr Ranil Jayawardena crop 2.jpg|75px]]
| [[Ranil Jayawardena]] MP
| [[Parliamentary Private Secretary]] to the [[Department for Work and Pensions]]
| 15 November
| Opposition to the Draft Withdrawal Agreement.
|- style="background:#ADD8E6;" colspan="5" |
| [[File:Official portrait of Rehman Chishti crop 2.jpg|75px]]
| [[Rehman Chishti]] MP
| [[Prime Ministerial Trade Envoy]] to [[Pakistan]]
| 15 November
| Opposition to the Draft Withdrawal Agreement and the government's handling of the [[Asia Bibi blasphemy case]].
|- style="background:#ADD8E6;" colspan="5" |
| [[File:Official portrait of Mr Sam Gyimah crop 2.jpg|75px]]
| [[Sam Gyimah]] MP
| [[Minister of State (United Kingdom)|Minister of State]] for [[Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy|Universities, Science, Research and Innovation]]
| 30 November
| Opposition to the [[Withdrawal Agreement]] and Political Declaration.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/nov/30/sam-gyimah-resigns-over-theresa-mays-brexit-deal|title=Sam Gyimah resigns over Theresa May's Brexit deal|date=30 November 2018|author1=Kevin Rawlinson |author2=Dan Sabbagh |newspaper=The Guardian}}</ref>
|- style="background:#ADD8E6;" colspan="5" |
|[[File:Official portrait of Will Quince crop 2.jpg|frameless|100x100px]]
| [[Will Quince]] MP
| [[Parliamentary Private Secretary]] to the [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]]
| 8 December
| Opposition to the Withdrawal Agreement and Political Declaration.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.itv.com/news/anglia/2018-12-09/essex-ministerial-aide-resigns-in-growing-brexit-rebellion/|title=Essex ministerial aide resigns in growing Brexit rebellion|author=ITV News|date=9 December 2018|publisher=ITV News}}</ref>
|-
| [[File:Official portrait of Lord O'Shaughnessy crop 2.jpg|75px]]
| Rt Hon [[The Lord O'Shaughnessy]]{{efn|group=note|name=c}}
| [[Department of Health and Social Care|Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health]]
| 31 December
| Resigned due to "family circumstances."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-04-03/may-s-ministerial-resignations-pile-up-at-rate-of-1-5-a-month|title=Theresa May's Ministerial Resignations Pile Up at Rate of 1.5 a Month|author=Alex Morales|date=3 April 2019|newspaper=Bloomberg}}</ref>
|-
|}
== 2019 ==
{| class="toccolours"
! Colour key
|-
| {{ubl|
{{legend0|#ADD8E6|Opposition to government policy on [[Brexit]]|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}|
{{legend0|#FFC0CB|Opposition to the incoming Prime Minister|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}|
}}
|}
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! style="background:#ccc;" colspan=2| Minister<br>{{small|(Cabinet members shown in bold)}}
! style="background:#ccc;"| Office
! style="background:#ccc;"| Date of resignation
! style="background:#ccc;"| Reason
|- style="background:#ADD8E6;" colspan="5" |
| [[File:Official portrait of Gareth Johnson crop 2.jpg|75px]]
| [[Gareth Johnson]] MP
| [[Parliamentary Private Secretary]] to the [[Department for Exiting the European Union]]
| 14 January
| Voted against the [[Withdrawal Agreement]] in the first [[meaningful vote]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/gareth-johnson-resigns-tory-whip-government-ahead-of-theresa-mays-brexit-deal-vote-a4038371.html|title=Tory whip quits government ahead of May's Brexit deal vote|date=2019-01-14|newspaper=Evening Standard|language=en|access-date=2019-01-14}}</ref>
|- style="background:#ADD8E6;" colspan="5" |
| [[File:Official portrait of Craig Tracey crop 2.jpg|75px]]
| [[Craig Tracey]] MP
| [[Parliamentary Private Secretary]] to the [[Department for International Development]]
| 15 January
| Voted against the Withdrawal Agreement in the first meaningful vote.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/how-did-your-mp-vote-over-may-s-brexit-deal-hvv23bbvz|title=How did your MP vote over May's Brexit deal?|last=Webber|first=Esther|newspaper=[[The Times]]|date=2019-01-16|access-date=2019-01-16|language=en|issn=0140-0460}}</ref>
|- style="background:#ADD8E6;" colspan="5" |
| [[File:Official portrait of Eddie Hughes crop 2.jpg|75px]]
| [[Eddie Hughes (British politician)|Eddie Hughes]] MP
| [[Parliamentary Private Secretary]] to the [[Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government]]
| 15 January
| Voted against the Withdrawal Agreement in the first meaningful vote.<ref name=":0" />
|- style="background:#ADD8E6;" colspan="5" |
| [[File:Official_portrait_of_Alberto_Costa_crop_2.jpg|frameless|100x100px]]
| [[Alberto Costa (British politician)|Alberto Costa]] MP
| [[Parliamentary Private Secretary]] to the [[Scotland Office]]
| 27 February
| Asked to resign after tabling an amendment to protect rights of EU citizens.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/feb/27/confusion-reigns-over-brexit-amendment-as-tory-mp-alberto-costa-sacked|title=Confusion reigns over Brexit amendment as Tory MP quits post|last=correspondent|first=Lisa O'Carroll Brexit|date=2019-02-27|work=The Guardian|access-date=2019-02-27|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}</ref>
|- style="background:#ADD8E6;" colspan="5" |
| [[File:Official portrait of George Eustice crop 4.jpg|75px]]
| [[George Eustice]] MP
| [[Minister of State (United Kingdom)|Minister of State]] for [[Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs|Agriculture, Fisheries & Food]]
| 28 February
| Dissatisfaction with the government acceding to a possible vote on delaying Brexit.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/feb/28/junior-minister-george-eustice-resigns-over-article-50-vote|title=Junior minister George Eustice resigns over article 50 vote}}</ref>
|- style="background:#ADD8E6;" colspan="5" |
| [[File:Official portrait of Sarah Newton.jpg|75px]]
| [[Sarah Newton]] MP
| [[Minister of State for Disabled People]]
| 13 March
| Voted against the government whip and in favour of the "[[Meaningful vote#Vote on "no deal" (13 March 2019)|Spelman amendment]]."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/cabinet-revolt-over-may-s-no-deal-plans-6pp5qdjqz|title=Cabinet revolt over no-deal Brexit vote|last=Sam Coates, Deputy Political Editor|first=Henry Zeffman, Political Correspondent {{!}}|date=2019-03-13|work=The Times|access-date=2019-03-13|language=en|issn=0140-0460}}</ref>
|- style="background:#ADD8E6;" colspan="5" |
| [[File:Official portrait of Paul Masterton crop 2.jpg|75px]]
| [[Paul Masterton]] MP
| [[Parliamentary Private Secretary]] to the [[Scotland Office]]
| 13 March
| Voted against the government whip and supported the amended motion after the "Spelman amendment" passed.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/brexit-chaos-defiance-from-cabinet-delivers-a-fresh-blow-to-may-s-authority-drpsqrrlj|title=Brexit chaos: Defiance from cabinet delivers a fresh blow to May's authority|last=Chorley|first=Sam Coates, Deputy Political Editor {{!}} Matt|date=2019-03-14|work=The Times|access-date=2019-03-14|language=en|issn=0140-0460}}</ref>
|- style="background:#ADD8E6;" colspan="5" |
| [[File:Official portrait of Richard Harrington crop 2.jpg|75px]]
| [[Richard Harrington (politician)|Richard Harrington]] MP
|[[Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State]] for [[Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy|Business and Industry]]
| 25 March
| Voted against the government whip and in favour of the "[[Meaningful vote#Vote on Letwin and Beckett amendments (25 March 2019)|Letwin amendment]]."<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2019/mar/25/brexit-latest-news-theresa-may-chairs-cabinet-ahead-of-statement-to-mps-as-calls-for-her-resignation-continue-live-news|title=MPs back indicative votes by majority of 27 to take control of Brexit process – live news|last=Sparrow|first=Andrew|date=2019-03-25|work=The Guardian|access-date=2019-03-25|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}</ref>
|- style="background:#ADD8E6;" colspan="5" |
| [[File:Official portrait of Steve Brine crop 2.jpg|75px]]
| [[Steve Brine]] MP
| [[Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State]] for [[Department of Health (United Kingdom)|Public Health and Primary Care]]
| 25 March
| Voted against the government whip and in favour of the "Letwin amendment."<ref name=":1" />
|- style="background:#ADD8E6;" colspan="5" |
| [[File:Official portrait of Alistair Burt crop 2.jpg |75px]]
| Rt Hon [[Alistair Burt]] MP
| [[Minister of State (United Kingdom)|Minister of State]] for [[Foreign and Commonwealth Office|the Middle East and North Africa]]
| 25 March
| Voted against the government whip and in favour of the "Letwin amendment."<ref name=":1" />
|- style="background:#ADD8E6;" colspan="5" |
| [[File:Official portrait of Nigel Adams crop 2.jpg|75px]]
| [[Nigel Adams]] MP
| [[Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State]] for [[Office of the Secretary of State for Wales|Wales]]
| 3 April
| Opposition to the Prime Minister's attempt to find common ground on a Brexit deal with [[Jeremy Corbyn]].<ref>{{Cite tweet|user=nadams|author=Nigel Adams|title=I've been to Downing Street & resigned my position as UK Govt Minister for Wales & Govt Whip|number=1113359638769164289|date=2019-04-03}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/may-invites-corbyn-to-break-brexit-deadlock-kw5f7lsrf|title=Nigel Adams resigns over Theresa May's 'grave error' to hold talks with Jeremy Corbyn|last=Bruno Waterfield|first=Sam Coates, Oliver Wright, Kate Devlin|date=2019-04-03|work=The Times|access-date=2019-04-03|language=en|issn=0140-0460}}</ref>
|- style="background:#ADD8E6;" colspan="5" |
| [[File:Official portrait of Chris Heaton-Harris crop 2.jpg |75px]]
| [[Chris Heaton-Harris]] MP
| [[Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State]] for [[Department for Exiting the European Union|Exiting the European Union]]
| 3 April
| Opposition to a further extension of Article 50.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2019/apr/03/brexit-latest-news-live-may-corbyn-meeting-barclay-says-remorseless-logic-of-commons-numbers-is-pushing-uk-towards-softer-brexit-live-news|title=Brexit: May faces second ministerial resignation in protest over her refusal to embrace no-deal – live news|last=Sparrow|first=Andrew|date=2019-04-03|work=The Guardian|access-date=2019-04-03|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}</ref>
|- style="background:#ADD8E6;" colspan="5" |
| [[File:Official portrait of Lord Bates crop 2.jpg |75px]]
| Rt Hon [[Michael Bates, Baron Bates|The Lord Bates]]{{efn|group=note|name=c|Member of the [[House of Lords]]}}
| [[Minister of State for International Development]]
| 23 April
| Wanted the freedom to explore a "process for restoring our national unity."<ref>{{Cite tweet|user=BatesLord|author=Michael Bates|title=I have decided to step down from my ministerial role at @DFID_UK but delighted to be succeeded by Baroness Sugg|number=1120750271515246596|date=2019-04-23}}</ref>
|-
| [[File:Official portrait of Gavin Williamson crop 2.jpg|100x100px|alt=|center|frameless]]
| Rt Hon '''[[Gavin Williamson]]''' MP
| [[Secretary of State for Defence]]
| 1 May
|Dismissed by PM after National Security Council investigation found Williamson leaked highly classified information, in contradiction to the Official Secrets Act, regarding Huawei's 5G network to a national newspaper.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-48126974|title=Gavin Williamson sacked over Huawei leak|date=2019-05-01|access-date=2019-05-01|language=en-GB}}</ref>
|-
| [[File:Official portrait of Baroness Fairhead crop 2, 2021.jpg|75px]]
| Rt Hon [[Rona Fairhead, Baroness Fairhead|The Baroness Fairhead]]{{efn|group=note|name=c|Member of the [[House of Lords]]}}
| [[Department for International Trade|Minister of State for Trade and Export Promotion]]
| 7 May
| Resigned for "personal reasons."<ref name="Laura Hughes">{{cite news|url=https://www.ft.com/content/e3e0c44c-70e2-11e9-bf5c-6eeb837566c5|title=Rona Fairhead and Zahida Manzoor quit government|author=Laura Hughes|date=7 May 2019|newspaper=Financial Times}}</ref>
|-
| [[File:Official portrait of Baroness Manzoor crop 2.jpg|75px]]
| Rt Hon [[Zahida Manzoor|The Baroness Manzoor]]{{efn|group=note|name=c|Member of the [[House of Lords]]}}
| [[Baroness-in-Waiting]]<br>[[Government Whip]]
| 7 May
| Resigned for "personal reasons."<ref name="Laura Hughes"/>
|- style="background:#ADD8E6;" colspan="5" |
| [[File:Official portrait of Andrea Leadsom crop 2.jpg|75px]]
| Rt Hon '''[[Andrea Leadsom]]''' MP
| [[Leader of the House of Commons]]<br>[[Lord President of the Council]]
| 22 May
| Resigned due to opposition to the Government's Withdrawal Agreement Bill which was set to be introduced.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/blog/live/2019/may/22/brexit-latest-news-may-statement-mps-deal-pmqs-gove-suggests-planned-vote-on-withdrawal-agreement-bill-could-be-shelved-live-news|title=Andrea Leadsom resigns from the government as May refuses to quit – live news|last1=Sparrow|first1=Andrew|date=2019-05-22|work=The Guardian|access-date=2019-05-22|last2=Sparrow|first2=Andrew|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}</ref>
|- style="background:#ADD8E6;" colspan="5" |
| [[File:Official portrait of Margot James crop 2.jpg|75px]]
| [[Margot James]] MP
| [[Minister of State for Digital and Creative Industries]]
| 18 July
| Resigned in order to support an amendment seeking to prevent prorogation of Parliament.
|- style="background:#ADD8E6;" colspan="5" |
| [[File:Official portrait of Andrew Percy crop 2.jpg|center|frameless|100x100px]]
| [[Andrew Percy]] MP
| [[Prime Ministerial Trade Envoy]] to [[Canada]]
| 22 July
| Resigned over opposition to how no deal Brexit policies would harm [[Canada–United Kingdom relations|UK–Canada]] trade.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brexit-news-latest-trade-envoy-quit-deal-canada-a9012421.html|title=UK trade envoy quits in protest over no-deal Brexit threatening £800m Canada agreement|date=2019-07-21|website=The Independent|language=en|access-date=2019-07-22}}</ref>
|- style="background:#FFC0CB;" colspan="5" |
| [[File:Official portrait of Sir Alan Duncan crop 2.jpg|center|frameless|100x100px]]
| Rt Hon [[Alan Duncan]] MP
| [[Foreign and Commonwealth Office|Minister of State for Europe and the Americas]]
| 22 July
| Resigned in opposition to the [[2019 Conservative Party leadership election|incoming Prime Minister]]'s acceptance of a no deal Brexit.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-49069880|title=Minister resigns in protest against Johnson|date=2019-07-22|access-date=2019-07-22|language=en-GB}}</ref>
|-
|- style="background:#FFC0CB;" colspan="5" |
| [[File:Official portrait of Anne Milton crop 2.jpg|frameless|100x100px]]
| Rt Hon [[Anne Milton]] MP
| [[Department for Education|Minister of State for Apprenticeships and Skills]]
| 23 July
| Resigned due to 'grave concerns' over [[Boris Johnson]]'s Brexit policies.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2019/jul/23/boris-johnson-tory-leadership-theresa-may-politics-live|title=Skills minister Anne Milton resigns ahead of Boris Johnson's expected election as new UK PM – live news|last1=Sparrow (now)|first1=Andrew|date=2019-07-23|work=The Guardian|access-date=2019-07-23|last2=Badshah (earlier)|first2=Nadeem|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|last3=Sparrow|first3=Andrew|last4=Mason|first4=Rowena|last5=Stewart|first5=Heather}}</ref>
|- style="background:#FFC0CB;" colspan="5" |
| [[File:Official portrait of Mr Philip Hammond crop 2.jpg|75px]]
| Rt Hon '''[[Philip Hammond]]''' MP
| [[Chancellor of the Exchequer]]
| 24 July
| Resigned in protest at Boris Johnson's willingness to leave the EU without a deal.<ref name="guardian24july">{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/live/2019/jul/24/boris-johnson-prepares-to-enter-downing-st-and-name-cabinet-theresa-may-prime-minister-live-news|title=May uses last PMQs to tell Corbyn to quit as Johnson prepares to become prime minister – live news|last=Busby (earlier)|first=Andrew Sparrow (now); Mattha|date=2019-07-24|work=The Guardian|access-date=2019-07-24|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}</ref>
|-
|- style="background:#FFC0CB;" colspan="5" |
| [[File:Official portrait of Mr David Gauke crop 2.jpg|center|frameless|100x100px]]
| Rt Hon '''[[David Gauke]]''' MP
| [[Secretary of State for Justice]]<br>[[Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain]]
| 24 July
| Resigned in protest at Boris Johnson's willingness to leave the EU without a deal.<ref name="DGRS">{{Cite web|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/17791682.rory-stewart-resigns-international-development-secretary/|title=Rory Stewart and David Gauke resign ahead of Boris Johnson becoming Prime Minister|website=HeraldScotland|date=24 July 2019 |language=en|access-date=2019-07-24}}</ref>
|-
|- style="background:#FFC0CB;" colspan="5" |
| [[File:Rory Stewart MP (cropped).jpg|center|frameless|100x100px]]
| Rt Hon '''[[Rory Stewart]]''' OBE FRSL FRSGS MP
| [[Secretary of State for International Development]]
| 24 July
| Resigned in protest at Boris Johnson's willingness to leave the EU without a deal.<ref name="DGRS" />
|- style="background:#FFC0CB;" colspan="5" |
|[[File:Daivid Lidington Official.jpg|frameless|113x113px]]
|The Rt Hon '''[[David Lidington]]''' CBE MP
|[[Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster]]<br>[[Minister for the Cabinet Office]]
|24 July
|May's de facto Deputy PM resigned in protest at Boris Johnson's willingness to leave the EU without a deal, as well as believing it was time to leave the frontbench.<ref name="guardian24july" />
|-
|[[File:Lord Taylor Official.jpg|frameless|103x103px]]
|Rt Hon [[The Lord Taylor of Holbeach]]{{efn|group=note|name=c|Member of the [[House of Lords]]}}
|[[Chief Whip|Government Chief Whip in the House of Lords]]
|24 July
|Resigned independent of the "political situation" having planned to resign for a long time beforehand.<ref name="guardian24july" />
|}
==See also==
* [[2018 British cabinet reshuffle]]
* [[List of departures from the first Johnson ministry]]
* [[List of departures from the second Johnson ministry]]
* [[List of departures from the Truss ministry]]
==References==
{{reflist}}
==Notes==
{{notelist|group=note}}
{{Theresa May}}
[[Category:2017 in British politics]]
[[Category:2018 in British politics]]
[[Category:Premiership of Theresa May]]
[[Category:Consequences of the 2016 United Kingdom European Union membership referendum]]
[[Category:History of the Conservative Party (UK)]]
[[Category:Lists of departures from the British government by Ministry]]