Veterans minister Johnny Mercer has left the government amid his unhappiness over the slow progress of legislation designed to protect ex-soldiers.

The former army officer, who served three tours in Afghanistan, said he was “sorry to have been relieved of my responsibilities” on Tuesday night.

In a letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Mr Mercer wrote: “It is with a heavy heart that I am forced to offer you my resignation from government.”

A Number 10 spokesperson confirmed Mr Johnson had accepted Mr Mercer’s resignation as Minister for Defence People and Veterans.

“He thanks Johnny Mercer for his service as a government minister since 2019,” the spokesperson added.

Shortly before news of his departure from government was confirmed, Mr Mercer told Sky News as he left parliament: “I’ve got nothing to say, they can all play these silly games – I’m not interested.

“I’ve made my position clear to the government, I’ve got nothing to say. I’ve got nothing to say.”

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