LONDON, Feb 13 (Reuters) - Former British finance minister
Sajid Javid unexpectedly quit on Thursday during a wider cabinet
reshuffle in which several supporters of Prime Minister Boris
Johnson were rewarded after last December's general election
victory
Javid warned Johnson in an unusually pointed parting shot
that he would still need colleagues who could offer him clear
and candid advice.
Here is Javid's resignation letter in full:
Dear Prime Minister,
"It has been a privilege to serve as Chancellor of the
Exchequer. Since being elected as the MP for Bromsgrove 10 years
ago I have had the huge honour of holding several ministerial
roles - running five departments, including two of the Great
Offices of State.
While I am grateful for your continued trust and offer to
continue in this role, I regret that I could not accept the
conditions attached to the reappointment. It is crucial for the
effectiveness of government that you have people around you who
can give you clear and candid advice, as I have always sought to
do. I also believe that it is important as leaders to have
trusted teams that reflect the character and integrity that you
would wish to be associated with.
The government you lead has an enormous opportunity in the
coming years to transform our country. Millions of people have
given their renewed trust in a Conservative government to move
on from the divisions and distractions of recent years, and lead
us forward into a decade of social and economic renewal. We must
not waste a moment in delivering on that promise.
As you know, the agenda we have been developing over the
last seven months is one that I have long supported. From
maintaining strong public finances, investing in infrastructure,
protecting our environment, recruiting 20,000 police officers,
and boosting housing and skills so the next generation can have
the opportunities they deserve.
I would urge you to ensure the Treasury as an institution
retains as much credibility as possible. The team there has
impressed me with the energy and intellect they have brought to
delivering the shifts in policy that I have led. They are among
the very best public servants we have and I hope they can
continue to play a central role in driving an economic agenda
that puts people and place at its heart.
My biggest hope is that this government will bring the
country together, and help to level the playing field so that
stories like mine are not exceptional or lucky. While it is of
course disappointing that I will no longer be in a position to
see this vision through as one of your Cabinet Ministers, I am
very optimistic about our country's future. You and the
government you lead will continue to have my full support from
the backbenches.
I am very much looking forward to spending more time with my
family, and to continuing to serve the people of Bromsgrove."
Yours ever,
S. Javid
(Reporting by Andy Bruce; editing by Stephen Addison)