London, September 5: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was dealt a fresh blow on Thursday when his brother Jo announced his resignation from the government and from parliament. UK PM Boris Johnson Holds Emergency Brexit Talks, Fuelling Election Rumours.

"In recent weeks I've been torn between family loyalty and the national interest -- it's an unresolvable tension & time for others to take on my roles as MP & Minister," Jo Johnson tweeted.

It’s been an honour to represent Orpington for 9 years & to serve as a minister under three PMs. In recent weeks I’ve been torn between family loyalty and the national interest - it’s an unresolvable tension & time for others to take on my roles as MP & Minister. #overandout

— Jo Johnson (@JoJohnsonUK) September 5, 2019

The timing of the vote itself was still being debated as the country raced toward an October 31 departure from the European Union without a plan for what comes next. But election battle lines were drawn across the front pages of British newspapers after a particularly bruising week of UK politics did little to resolve the three-year impasse.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 05, 2019 04:58 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).