Brandon Lewis has resigned as secretary of Britain's Northern Ireland after Prime Minister Boris Johnson refused to step down from his position, Sky News reported Thursday.

His resignation was followed by that of Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury Helen Whately, Security Minister Damian Hinds, and Science Minister George Freeman.

So far, a total of 53 British government members have resigned, according to the report.

(Cover: Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Brandon Lewis leaves Downing Street after attending Cabinet meeting, London, England, March 8, 2022. /CFP)