Universities minister Michelle Donelan is to replace Nadhim Zahawi as education secretary after Boris Johnson’s government was hit by two major resignations today.

Mr Zahawi is to become the chancellor following the resignation of Rishi Sunak, No 10 announced tonight.

The move follows the resignations of health secretary Sajid Javid and Mr Sunak earlier this evening.

Both announced their departures from government amid mounting pressure on prime minister Boris Johnson over his handling of the Chris Pincher row.

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Ms Donelan was appointed universities minister in 2020 and remained in post despite the majority of the DfE ministerial roles changing in a reshuffle last year.

She was elected as an MP in 2015 and has been a member of the Commons Education Select Committee.

Before taking on the education secretary role, Mr Zahawi had served as vaccines minister.

He previously served as children and families minister in the DfE between January 2018 and July 2019.

He replaced Gavin Williamson as education secretary in September last year.