James Heappey, the MP for Wells, Somerset, and the UK's Armed Forces Minister, resigned from the cabinet yesterday, initiating a potentially significant reshuffle within Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's government.

This move follows Heappey's earlier announcement this month of his intentions to step down both as an MP and minister, marking a notable departure from his role in national politics.

Mr Heappey wrote on Twitter: "Thanks also to the fantastic civil servants who work so hard across the Defence enterprise from our world-beating scientists to those who do the hard yards procuring the stuff our armed forces need to those who work on policy in the MOD itself.

"And finally thanks to the three PMs who've asked me to serve in this amazing role and to Ben Wallace, Grant Shapps, Nick Carter, Tony Radakin, Stephen Lovegrove, David Williams and my awesome Private Office team for putting up with me!"

His resignation is part of a wider trend within the Conservative Party, with Heappey becoming the 62nd MP to announce their departure at the next election, a group that now includes 63 members following Robert Halfon's announcement yesterday.