TWO government ministers have resigned in a move seen as a further blow to the credibility of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Robert Halfon has resigned as skills minister and James Heappey followed through on his stated intention to step down as armed forces minister.

Neither will stand at the general election, which is expected in October or November, with 63 Tory MPs now publicly declaring they will not contest their seat.

Mr Halfon’s resignation was described  by university and college lecturers’ union UCU as “another nail in the coffin” for Mr Sunak.

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: “It is no wonder our sector is in crisis when we have a government that has all but ceased to function.

“Halfon’s resignation is yet another nail in the coffin for this beleaguered Prime Minister.

“We now urgently need a general election and an incoming Labour government to fund higher and further education properly.”