Boris Johnson declares 'boundless admiration' for brother Jo Johnson's resignation over Brexit

Boris Johnson had praised his brother Jo Johnson for his resignation as a minister over Theresa May’s handling of Brexit.

Jo Johnson quit as transport minister on Friday, saying the public should be given the chance to vote again on whether they want to leave the EU, and if so, whether whether they accept what is on offer or choose to leave without a deal.

His former foreign secretary brother may have been on the opposite side of the Brexit divide, but Boris Johnson has voiced his “boundless admiration” for him.

Despite their difference in stance, he said they were “united in dismay” at the “intellectually and politically indefensible” UK position.

Mr Johnson’s father, Stanley Johnson, told Channel 4 News: “I’m reminded of Tennyson’s Charge Of The Light Brigade.

“I mean volley to the left of the them, volley to right of them, and the Prime Minister charges on into the valley of death.

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“And thank God Jo has come out today with a bit of sanity. Saying we have got to draw back from this cliff edge.”

Mr Johnson’s sister Rachel said she was “hugely proud” of her “honourable and principled brother Jo who has put the interests of the country ahead of his political career”.

Shadow Brexit minister Jenny Chapman said Mr Johnson is the 18th minister to resign from Theresa May’s government, saying: “She has lost all authority and is incapable of negotiating a Brexit deal within her own party, let alone with the EU. Theresa May is in office, but not in power.”

Tory former deputy prime minister Lord Heseltine, who backs the People’s Vote campaign for another referendum, said: “This is a very significant resignation.

“Here is a young politician with everything to gain from staying inside the Government, pursuing his distinguished career, keeping his head down and waiting for events to take their course.

“He has not done that. He has resigned on an issue of principle putting the country before his party and his own career.”

He said it was an important message to all Conservative MPs who are “not saying what they think”.

“This is the time for all of them, as Jo Johnson has done, to look deep inside their consciences, to reflect deeply on their responsibilities, and do the right thing for future generations.”