James Brokenshire Resigns Home Secretary After ‘Longer Than Expected’ Recovery From Lung Cancer Treatment | UK News

James Brokenshire has resigned as Home Secretary, saying his recovery from lung cancer “is taking longer than expected”.

Mr. Brokenshire, who handles the department’s safety record, said leaving his post would allow him to focus on his health.

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

In a letter to the Prime Minister released on Wednesday, Mr Brokenshire said: ‘Throughout this period I have received exceptional treatment from our NHS at a time when it was under such additional pressure due to the pandemic .

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

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

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

Responding to his resignation letter, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he looked forward to welcoming Mr Brokenshire back “as soon as possible”.

The Tory MP also thanked Home Secretary Priti Patel for her support and said he hoped “to be able to serve again in one way or another in the future”.

Mr Brokenshire was first diagnosed with lung cancer in 2018 after coughing up a blood stain at an event at Hillsborough Castle as Secretary for Northern Ireland.

He then resigned his cabinet post to seek treatment.

After getting the green light, he was appointed by Boris Johnson to the Home Office in February 2020.

However, MP Old Bexley and Sidcup took a step back from his government …