Conservative MP Kelly Tolhurst has resigned as the minister for rough sleeping and housing following “devastating” family news. In a letter to the prime minister, she said she was stepping down from the government role to spend “precious time” with her family. Tolhurst, who represents Rochester and Strood in Kent, said she hoped to have the opportunity to serve again in government “in the fullness of time”. She wrote to Boris Johnson: “Following on from some devastating news for my family, after much consideration and deep reflection, it is with great sadness that I am writing to notify you of my intention to step down from my role as the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government, so that I am able to care for, and spend some precious time with my family in the coming months. “It has been an immense privilege to serve in your Government under three different departments.” Tolhurst had previously served as small business minister in the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy, and as a minister in the Department for Transport. Downing Street said that assistant whip Eddie Hughes has been appointed as her replacement. Johnson said in reply that he was “very sorry” to receive Tolhurst’s resignation, and thanked her for her contribution to government. He later tweeted: “Kelly, very sad that you’re standing down from government. You’ve been a brilliant minister at three departments but family must come first. “My thoughts are with you and your loved ones at this difficult time.”