A Teesside Cabinet minister has backed the new chancellor as resignations roll in from the government.

Nadim Zahawi replaced Rishi Sunak after the former chancellor resigned stating that people expected government to be conducted “properly, competently and seriously”.

However, it appears that Conservative Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland MP Simon Clarke will remain loyal to the Prime Minister after he tweeted his support for the new chancellor.

Mr Clarke said: “Congratulations to Nadmin Zahawi, who will be a tremendous Chancellor. Experienced, innovative, kind and capable, and someone who will provide great leadership for HM Treasury.”

Read more: LISTED: All the Tory MPs who have resigned so far

Mr Clarke currently serves in the Cabinet as the chief secretary to the treasury, he has held the position since September 2021.

At the time of writing there have been 21 resignations. Notable resignations include Health Secretary Sajid Javid, Children’s Minister Will Quince, Education Minister Robin Walker, Economic Secretary to the Treasury John Glen, Justice Minister Victoria Atkins, and Solicitor General Alex Chalk.

In response, Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald said: “The nightmare of Johnson’s disgraceful and disreputable premiership is coming to an end and not before time.”

This new crisis for the Prime Minister comes after it was revealed he was aware of allegations of sexual misconduct against the former deputy chief whip Chris Pincher before he appointed him.

Read more: Stockton South MP Matt Vickers gives no indication of leaving role after string of Tory resignations

After Mr Pincher resigned, No 10 and a number of government ministers, denied that Mr Johnson was aware of the complaints against the deputy chief whip.

However, Lord McDonald, a former civil servant in the Foreign Office, said Mr Johnson was briefed in person about a formal complaint against Mr Pincher in 2019.

The government admitted the Prime Minister was briefed but claimed he could not recall it when the allegations were raised last week.

Mr Johnson has since confirmed he was aware of the allegations and admitted to making a bad mistake. The Prime Minister refused to confirm whether he said ‘Pincher by name, pincher by nature’.

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