Jeremy Hunt QUITS Cabinet as he refuses demotion from ex-leadership rival Boris Johnson

The Tory leadership runner-up was offered the opportunity to continue serving in Cabinet but in a new role.

After rejecting the demotion thought to have been offered by the new Prime Minister, Mr Hunt wrote on Twitter: “I would have been honoured to carry on my work at the FCO but understand the need for a new PM to choose his team.

“BJ kindly offered me another role but after nine years in Cabinet & over 300 cab meetings now is the time to return to backbenches from where PM will have my full support.

“I’ve been a cabinet minister for every hour my 3 gorgeous children have been alive. So whilst it may seem strange for someone who just tried to become PM (& is a terrible cliche) I have decided now is the time for the biggest challenge of all – to be a good dad!”

It is believed Mr Johnson invited his leadership rival to be his new Defence Secretary.

Yesterday afternoon it was announced Mr Johnson had won the Tory leadership election after he secured 92,153 votes – 66.4 percent – to defeat Mr Hunt, who was backed by 46,656 Tory members.

Mr Johnson then officially took over as Prime Minister earlier this afternoon after he was officially appointed to the role by the Queen.

Addressing the media from the steps of Downing Street after his meeting, Mr Johnson said his new Government would prove the “doubters, doomsters and gloomsters” wrong.

More to follow…