JUSTIN Tomlinson has said he is sorry to lose his former boss. 

Works and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd quit the Cabinet and the Conservative Party this evening in protest at Boris Johnson’s handling of Brexit.

The Hastings and Rye MP quit her post as work and pensions secretary and said she was relinquishing the Tory whip after the Prime Minister sacked 21 rebels this week.

Reacting to the news, North Swindon MP and DWP minister Justin Tomlinson said: “I am very sorry to lose Amber. She was a pleasure to work with and shared my determination to both support and change the lives of the most vulnerable people in society. She can be proud of what she achieved at the DWP.

“However, after three long years the squabbling and endless delays must end. The public expect us to get on and deliver Brexit, no ifs, no buts.”

In her letter of resignation Ms Rudd said: “I cannot stand by as good, loyal moderate Conservatives are expelled.

“I have spoken to the PM and my Association Chairman to explain. I remain committed to the One Nation values that drew me into politics.”