Hucknall politicians react as two senior cabinet resignations pile the pressure on Boris Johnson's position as Prime Minister

Expectation is growing that Prime Minister Boris Johnson will have to stand down after two of his most senior ministers quit cabinet this evening as more facts emerged about the Chris Pincher affair.

The Downing Street Office of the Prime Minister had earlier denied the level of knowledge Mr Johnson had about the past record of the shamed Tamworth MP, who has admitted groping men and unacceptable conduct in Parliament while drunk, before appointing him to a position in the Conservative Whips' office. He has already been suspended from the Conservative Party and now faces other allegations.

This evening Mr Johnson admitted he had been told about complaints about Mr Pincher in 2019 and made a "bad mistake" by not acting on it.

Within minutes of that admission, Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Health Secretary Sajid Javid resigned. Mr Sunak said the public expect "government to be conducted properly, competently and seriously" while Mr Javid told the Prime Minister he can "no longer, in good conscience, continue serving in this government".

Expectation is now rife that Mr Johnson will finally have to fall on his sword and resign after months of criticism over his conduct, decisions and attempts to avoid blame for 'Partygate' and other government failings.

In Hucknall, there has been reaction this evening. Conservative Councillor Chris Baron who represents Hucknall West on Ashfield District Council, said to Hucknall Nub News: "Personally, local Conservatives are very sorry that Rishi (Sunak) and Sajid (Javid) have resigned because they were two exceptional ministers but of course Parliament is a million miles away from what we're dealing with in local issues.

Councillor Chris Baron says Rishi Sunak and Sajid Javid were 'exceptional ministers.' Photo courtesy of Ashfield District Council.

"We're dealing with issues that matter to local communities here in Hucknall and the big one is the housing and the infrastructure associated with the housing. It's not for me or any of the Conservatives in Hucknall to comment about what's happening at Parliament, they'll sort themselves out in their own way so let's just wait and see what happens."

Ashfield Independent Councillor Lee Waters who represents Hucknall South on Nottinghamshire County Council and Hucknall North on Ashfield District Council thinks that Mr Johnson's time in number 10 is almost up and called for Hucknall's MP Mark Spencer to comment on the situation.

Speaking to Hucknall Nub News, he said: "Whilst I have watched events at 10, Downing Street with despair - it's clear that Boris Johnson is on his way out.

"We are living in a cost of living crisis that the Government have been paying scant attention to. I await Mark Spencer's views on this as he has so far backed Boris unequivocally despite everything Boris has done.

"I'd hazard a guess however that there is more chance of the Tories fixing Hucknall's broken roads and pavements than Hucknall's MP giving up his job as Leader of the House of Commons. It's high time he put our town first."

Hucknall Nub News has contacted Mr Spencer for comment.