British health secretary replaces Boris Johnson in shakeup over Brexit

July 9 (UPI) -- British Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Jeremy Hunt was selected to replace Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, who resigned on Monday.

Prime Minister Theresa May's office announced Monday afternoon that Hunt would take on the role of foreign minister, adding Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Matt Hancock would replace Hunt as secretary for health and social care

"The queen has been pleased to approve the appointment of Right Honorable Jeremy Hunt as secretary of state for foreign and commonwealth affairs," May's office wrote on Twitter.

Johnson, the leader of the country's planned exit from the European Union departed hours after David Davis, Britain's Brexit secretary, resigned.

Their departures call into question May's plans to keep Britain closely tied to the EU despite its lack of membership in the 28-member bloc. They also show opposition to May's strategy.

Britain's official exit from the EU is expected in March 2019 with negotiations to handle trade matters continuing.

A backlash in parliament is underway by Conservative Party members who object to May's plan to accept a "common rulebook" on EU trade procedures. It implies the import and export of goods will follow EU rules, with Britain having no say as a "ruletaker" and not rule maker.

The resignations jeopardize May's Conservative Party leadership.