Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire has announced his resignation from the Cabinet for medical reasons.

Mr Brokenshire today revealed that he has a “small lesion” in his right lung which needs to be surgically removed.

In a resignation letter sent to Prime Minister Theresa May, he wrote that he did not feel he would be “able to give the effort, energy and complete focus needed at this important time if we are to secure the positive outcomes both you and I are committed to achieving”.

He said: “In the best interests of the people of Northern Ireland and the Government as a whole, with much regret, I believe that the right thing at this time is for me to stand down from my current responsibilities.”

Accepting his resignation, Ms May said he had approached the role with “great diligence, determination, and good humour”.