Deputy chief whip John Randall and Cabinet Office minister Chloe Smith quit Government posts

John Randall, left, and Chloe Smith, who have both resigned (Getty/PA)

Deputy chief whip John Randall announced his resignation from Government last night, ahead of an expected ministerial reshuffle by Prime Minister David Cameron.

The 58-year-old Conservative MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip said in his resignation letter that it had been “a great privilege and honour” to serve for 13 years in the Whips’ Office in opposition and Government.

Cabinet Office minister Chloe Smith has also resigned her ministerial post, to “spend more time with her constituents”.

The Conservative MP for Norwich North was 29 years old in October 2011 when she was appointed Economic Secretary to the Treasury, making her the youngest minister in the Government.

In her resignation letter to the Prime Minister, she said: “I have been privileged to serve my country and my party under your leadership.

“However, for the remainder of the Parliament I want to be able to spend more time serving my constituents. My constituents have always come first for me, and they know the high standards and hard work that I ask of myself…”