Boris Johnson’s deputy chief medical adviser has suddenly resigned.
Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, England’s deputy chief medical officer Professor, will be leaving his role.
Sir Jonathan became a cult hero during the covid pandemic, known for his strong appearances and footballing analogies throughout the daily covid press conferences.
The timing of the resignation, a day after the Prime Minister apologised for attending a party in Downing Street gardens during lockdown, raised immediate questions about a difference of policy with Johnson.
In a statement Van-Tam simply said it had been a privilege to serve.
He said: “My time as DCMO has been the most challenging of my professional career, especially the Covid response."
"We all wish covid had not happened, not withstanding and has been the greatest privilege of my professional career to have served the people of the UK during this time."
The Prime Minister paid tribute in a tweet: "I would like to thank Jonathan Van-Tam for his extraordinary contribution to our country and his invaluable advice throughout the pandemic. Wishing him the very best for the future."
Health Secretary Sajid Javid also tweeted: “It has been an honour to work with JVT and I am hugely grateful for his advice & the vital role he has played in our vaccination programme.”
Sir Jonathan will continue to work for the Government until the end of March.
Nicola Sturgeon described the resignation as a "big loss to the UK government.".
The Scottish First Minister tweeted: Although not an adviser to the Scottish Government JVT’s observations and opinions in the context of four nations discussions have always been wise and helpful. I wish him well."
This is a breaking news story - we’ll bring you the very latest updates, pictures and video as it happens.
Follow the politics team on Twitter @Record_Politics and the official Daily Record account @Daily_Record - real news in real time.
We’re also on Facebook - your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Daily Record, Sunday Mail and Record Online
Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
To sign up to the Daily Record Politics newsletter, click here.
