Boris Johnson’s MP brother quits politics: ‘Torn between family loyalty and the national interest’

The brother of U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced that he is resigning from politics as he is “torn between family loyalty and the national interest.”

Jo Johnson, 47, has served as a member of Parliament, representing Orpington, since 2010. The younger brother of Boris, 55, Jo also served as the minister of state for universities, science, research, and innovation since July of this year.

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Jo has previously been outspoken in his opposition to Brexit, which has been staunchly sought after by his older brother. In 2016 he voted to remain as part of the European Union as his brother led the campaign for the U.K. to leave. His resignation from the cabinet position was effective immediately as of Wednesday.

“It’s been an honour to represent Orpington for 9 years & to serve as a minister under three PMs. In recent weeks I’ve been torn between family loyalty and the national interest – it’s an unresolvable tension & time for others to take on my roles as MP & Minister,” Johnson said in a Wednesday tweet.

“The prime minister would like to thank Jo Johnson for his service. He has been a brilliant, talented minister and a fantastic MP,” said a statement from the Prime Minister’s office. “The PM, as both a politician and brother, understands this will not have been an easy matter for Jo. The constituents of Orpington could not have asked for a better representative.”

Boris and Jo’s sister, Rachel, a television presenter and author, said talk of U.K. separation from the EU was generally avoided at family gatherings. “The family avoids the topic of Brexit,” she said. “Especially at meals, as we don’t want to gang up on the PM.”

Other public officials lamented the loss of Jo from Parliament. “Lots of MPs have had to wrestle with conflicting loyalties in recent weeks,” said former Secretary of State for Justice David Gauke. “None more so than Jo. This is a big loss to Parliament, the government and the Conservative Party.”