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Boris Johnson’s communications director, Lee Cain, dramatically resigned amid signs of a bitter power struggle at the top of the UK government.
In a statement, the former journalist said that after “careful consideration” he had decided to leave his post at the end of the year.
The shock move comes less than 24 hours after it was reported that he was to be promoted to the key post of chief of staff to the British prime minister.
Cain was a close ally of Dominic Cummings, Johnson’s senior adviser, having worked with him on the Brexit campaign.
The appointment was seen as consolidating control of the old Vote Leave team at the top of Downing Street.
However, it sparked an immediate backlash with Johnson’s fiancee Carrie Symonds, who opposed the move.
In a statement announcing his resignation, Cain said he was leaving despite being offered the position of chief of staff.
“After careful consideration, tonight I resigned as the 10th communications director and will step down at the end of the year,” he said.
“It has been a privilege to serve as an advisor to Mr. Johnson for the past three years, to be part of a team that helped him win the Conservative leadership contest, to secure the largest Conservative majority for three decades, and it was an honor to be asked. serve as chief of staff to the prime minister.
“I would like to thank the entire team at # 10, including the many unknown and incredibly talented civil servants, for their hard work and support over the past 18 months.
“And above all, I would like to thank the Prime Minister for his loyalty and leadership.”
In response, Johnson paid tribute to Cain’s “extraordinary service” to the government over the past four years.
“He has been a true ally and friend and I am very happy that he will continue to be the communications director until the new year and that he will help restructure the operation,” he said.
“We will miss him very much.”
After the 2016 Brexit referendum, Cain joined Johnson as special adviser when former British Prime Minister Theresa May appointed him British Foreign Secretary.
She stayed with Johnson when she resigned two years later over May’s proposed Brexit deal and worked on her campaign to succeed her as Conservative leader.
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