Neil O’Brien, the Conservative MP for Harborough, has this morning resigned from his post as parliamentary under-secretary of state for primary care and public health, citing his wish to “focus 100 per cent on constituency work”.

Mr O’Brien, who was first elected to parliament in 2017, was appointed to his ministerial position in October 2022, becoming the fourth person to fill the post of Pharmacy minister in less than a year.

Posting on X this morning (November 13), Mr O’Brien said it had been “a privilege” to serve as minister and praised his team and advisors.

“With so much going on locally I want to focus 100 per cent on constituency work so have asked to go to back benches,” said Mr Brien, adding that he wished to spend more time with his young children.

Mr Brien’s resignation came on the same day as a reshuffle of prime minister Rishi Sunak’s cabinet during a morning that also saw his immediate predecessor as Pharmacy minister, Will Quince, stand down from his current role as secondary care minister, explaining that he does not plan to stand in the next general election, which is expected next year.