Jeremy Hunt forced out in brutal Cabinet reshuffle after refusing to be demoted

Jeremy Hunt has been forced out of the government after he refused to be demoted in a brutal Cabinet reshuffle by Boris Johnson .

The Foreign Secretary left office tonight despite reaching the final two candidates for the leadership and winning a third of Tory members’ votes for PM.

Mr Hunt tonight said he had “kindly” been offered another job but decided the time was right to quit. Reports had suggested he was offered the job of Defence Secretary but refused to take what would have been seen as a demotion.

He joins a litany of ministers on the back benches tonight including Chris Grayling, Karen Bradley, Liam Fox, Penny Mordaunt, Damian Hinds and James Brokenshire. See the full list of changes in the Cabinet reshuffle here.

He tweeted: “I would have been honoured to carry on my work at the FCO but understand the need for a new PM to choose his team.

“BJ kindly offered me another role but after 9 yrs in Cabinet & over 300 cab mtgs now is the time to return 2 backbenches from where PM will have my full support.

“I’ve been a cabinet minister for every hour my 3 gorgeous children have been alive. So whilst it may seem strange for someone who just tried to become PM (& is a terrible cliche) I have decided now is the time for the biggest challenge of all – to be a GOOD DAD!

“It has been a huge honour 2  be responsible 4 the finest diplomatic service in the world & 2 see the courage & wisdom of our diplomats & intelligence services.

“Thanks 4 guiding me with such patience & professionalism! Proud to have stood up alongside you for British values. Also most importantly heartfelt thanks to the 1/3 of Conservative Party members who supported me.

“Despite being the outsider, the #HastobeHunt campaign was spirited & smart (if I do say so myself).

“I was truly humbled with the confidence placed in me by so many people.”

Mr Hunt – a trusted ally of Theresa May who was the longest-serving Health Secretary – had been expected to stay on but riled up Mr Johnson by attacking him on the campaign trail for the Tory leadership.