Boris Johnson resigns as UK foreign secretary

Downing Street issued a statement this evening confirming Boris Johnson's resignation.

The statement says "This afternoon, the Prime Minister accepted the resignation of Boris Johnson as Foreign Secretary. His replacement will be announced shortly. The Prime Minister thanks Boris for his work."

The news comes after Johnson failed to show up for a West Balkans summit the UK was hosting in London.

Theresa May is due to update the House of Commons on Brexit this afternoon despite losing the Brexit and Foreign Secretaries in less than 24 hours.

Johnson was a key player in the official Leave campaign and its TV debates. With both Secretaries gone, the degree to which the UK government aligns with Brexit voters is in flux.

Politicshome reports Labour deputy leader Tom Watson as saying, "Theresa May’s government is in meltdown. This is complete and utter chaos. The country is at a standstill with a divided and shambolic Government. The Prime Minister can't deliver Brexit and has zero authority left."