Mr Zahawi was appointed Chancellor on Tuesday following the resignation of Rishi Sunak MP.

In a letter published this morning on his social media he said that he had called on the Prime Minister to “leave with dignity” privately yesterday but had kept this private due to “hopes that he would listen to an old friend of 30 years”.

He said: “I am heartbroken that he hasn’t listened and that he is now undermining the incredible achievements of this Government at this late hour.

“But the country deserves a Government that is not only stable, but acts with integrity.”

Over the past few days Prime Minister Boris Johnson has seen a raft of resignations including former Chancellor Rishi Sunak, former Health Secretary Sajid Javid, and former Economic Secretary John Glen.

This morning they were joined by Pensions Minister Guy Opperman, Treasury minister Helen Whately, Technology Minister Chris Philp, and Education Secretary Michelle Donelan.

Mr Opperman has served as Pensions Minister since June 2017.

His five-year tenure made him one of the longest serving Pensions Ministers.

He formerly served as a Government Whip and has been an elected Conservative MP for Hexham since May 2010.

He published his resignation letter this morning.