Four top Boris Johnson aides quit in a torrid day for Downing Street

Boris Johnson has suffered a major blow to his already bruised authority after four senior members of his Downing Street team resigned on Thursday.

Director of policy Munira Mirza was the first to unexpectedly announce her resignation, closely followed by communications director Jack Doyle, chief of staff Dan Rosenfield and principle private secretary Martin Reynolds. 

Mirza, one of the most senior figures in Downing Street, said her departure was triggered by Johnson's failure to apologise for falsely claiming Keir Starmer failed to prosecute sex offender Jimmy Savile.

She had worked alongside him for 14 years and also had a role as a deputy mayor of London when Johnson was mayor. She has been replaced by MP Andrew Griffiths, Johnson's parliamentary private secretary, who has been appointed head of hte No 10 Policy Unit.

Doyle announced his resignation late on Thursday afternoon, but claimed it was not linked to Mirza's departure. In comments to staff, he reportedly said he had always planned to leave after two years in the role and that his family had faced a "torrid time" in recent weeks.

A Downing Street spokesperson confirmed Doyle had left, saying: "He has made a huge contribution and the Prime Minister is immensely grateful for the work he has done.”

Rosenfield and Reynolds also offered their resignations on Thursday. Reynolds is the author of the 'bring your own booze' email at the centre of the partygate scandal that is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police. Both were key members of Johnson's inner circle. 

A spokesperson for Number 10 said: “Dan Rosenfield offered his resignation to the Prime Minister earlier today, which has been accepted.

“Martin Reynolds also informed the Prime Minister of his intention to stand down from his role as principal private secretary and the Prime Minister has agreed to this. 

“He has thanked them both for their significant contribution to government and No 10, including work on the pandemic response and economic recovery. 

“They will continue in their roles while successors are appointed, and recruitment for both posts is underway."

Once a successor is appointed Reynolds will move to a new role at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.