Mr Javid detailed the circumstances under which he resigned from Boris Johnson's government in February 2020. Photo: Jonathan Brady/PA
Sajid Javid said he warned Boris Johnson that Dominic Cummings would “overtake him”.
The former chancellor admitted he was “furious” when the then prime minister said told him about it in February 2020. that he would have to fire six of his special advisers if he wanted to remain in his position.
The demand to sack the advisers was made by Mr Cummings, and Mr Johnson said they should be abandoned as they were “only people”.
Mr Javid chose to quit rather than comply, and on farewell told him that his chief adviser will not rest until he “burns the house down.”
“By the way, there is one condition”
The revelations were made in an interview with Andy Coulson “Crisis What crisis?” podcast.
Mr Johnson wanted to keep Mr Javid as chancellor as part of a major reshuffle in February 2020, weeks after the Tories won the general election.
Recalling the meeting, Mr Javid said Mr Mr. Johnson added: “Yes, by the way, there is one condition; you will have to sack all your advisers.”
“I could see that the Prime Minister was then following instructions because this was the only point in the discussion when he looked at his notes and read his notes and did not look at me in the eyes.
“So I knew he was uncomfortable because he was told to do it and he was following instructions from Mr. Cummings.
“My reaction was immediate, I said, 'I can't do this.' I do not do this”. And I remember saying to him, “Look, these people you're talking about, these advisers, they're longtime Tory supporters. They helped the party, worked for other ministers, prime ministers… These are some of our best people, you just want me to fire them?
“And then he said: “Saj, they are just people . Don't worry about it.”
“Cummings will be leaving soon anyway.”
Mr Johnson asked him to step outside for 15 minutes to think it over, during which time Mr Javid was “99 per cent sure” he had consulted Mr – Mr. Cummings.
< p>He said two of Mr. Johnson's advisers came into the room and told him: “It's all Cummings. Just do what he says, because Cummings will be leaving soon anyway.”
“I just thought to myself in that room, 'Imagine that I'm going back to the Treasury now, putting together my team, which was c I've been through all the hardships… And I come there and say, “I'm fine, Jack. You're gone, but I'm okay, Jack.” I couldn't do it. I just couldn't do it.”
Then Javid came to the Prime Minister and said: “You're going to have to decide: it's either me or Cummings.”
“He clearly chose Cummings. And I told him: “Okay.” I said, “This guy,” as in Cummings, “He won't rest until he burns the house down.” He walks around you.” And then I left.”
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