James Brokenshire has resigned as Home Office minister stating his recovery from lung cancer is “taking longer than expected”.

Mr Brokenshire, who looks after the department’s security brief, said standing down from his position will enable him to focus on his health.

The MP had his right lung removed as part of his treatment in February this year.

In a letter to the prime minister published on Wednesday, Mr Brokenshire said: “Throughout this period I have received outstanding treatment from our NHS at a time when it has been under such additional strain due to the pandemic.

“The people who work within it are truly amazing and the care I have received from Guy’s and St Thomas’s has been second to none.

“My recovery from treatment and return to full duties is, however, taking longer than anticipated.

“Given my responsibilities to the public, the government and to parliament, I have therefore concluded that it is best that I stand down from my ministerial role and focus on restoring my health.”

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