TORRIDGE and West Devon MP Geoffrey Cox resigned today as Attorney General ‘at the Prime Minister’s request’.

Mr Cox said: ‘I have been truly privileged to have served as Attorney General during the recent turbulent political times. I am now leaving the Government at the PM’s request. I shall continue to represent and stand up strongly for the interests of Torridge and West Devon.’

In a letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson he wrote that he was resigning ‘as a result of the reshuffle and associated changes you wish to make’.

He went on to praise Mr Johnson for pressing ahead with Brexit, which he described as ‘the great political mission of our time’.

‘As I return to the backbenches, my aim will be to continue to support you and the Government and as always to represent and promote the interest of my constituents in Torridge and West Devon.’

Mr Cox was also Attorney General for Theresa May for a year before Mr Johnson became Prime Minister last July.