Tory MP James Brokenshire has resigned as Minister of Security, telling Boris Johnson his recovery from lung cancer treatment “is taking longer than expected”.

Mr Brokenshire said on Wednesday he was stepping down from government to “focus on restoring my health” after being diagnosed with the disease two years ago.

The MP for Old Bexley and Sidcup was released from Guy’s Hospital in London in February after a ‘frustrating resurgence’ of the disease required surgery to remove his right lung.

In a letter, Mr Brokenshire thanked the Prime Minister for his support during the treatment and praised the “really amazing” doctors who worked with him.

“My recovery from treatment and my return to full duties, however, is taking longer than expected,” he wrote.

“Given my responsibilities to the public, government and Parliament, I have therefore concluded that it is best that I step aside from my ministerial role and focus on restoring my health.”

He said he hoped he could “serve again in one way or another in the future”, and Mr Johnson responded by offering his full support and wishing a “speedy return to full health” .

The Prime Minister added: “I fully understand your need to step down from your post, but I look forward to welcoming you back as soon as possible.”

First elected to the House of Commons in 2005, Mr Brokenshire was appointed Minister of State at the Home Office in February last year.

He previously served as Housing Secretary, as well as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

Shadow Home Secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds was quick to wish Mr Brokenshire “full and speedy recovery”.

“I know it will be difficult for him to step back from his duties, but I look forward to seeing him again soon,” the Labor MP tweeted.

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