Elena Narozanski: The Team England boxer who became the fifth aide to quit Downing Street

Elena Narozanski has resigned as a Number Ten Policy Unit member, the Conservative Home website has confirmed.

Narozanski is the latest special advisor to step down from the Downing Street operation, bringing the total resignations in the period of Boris Johnson's 'partygate' scandal to five.

Ministers tried to argue the exodus was part of Mr Johnson “taking charge” as he faces a potential leadership challenge amid allegations of rule-breaking parties in Downing Street.

Long-term ally to Mr Johnson Munira Mirza quit as the director of that policy unit in anger over his use of a “scurrilous” Jimmy Savile smear against Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.

Then chief of staff Dan Rosenfield, principal private secretary Martin Reynolds and director of communications Jack Doyle followed her out of the door on Thursday.

The three men were embroiled in the “partygate” scandal and energy minister Greg Hands suggested their departures were linked to a clear-out after civil servant Sue Gray’s inquiry into the allegations.

Former No 10 aide Nikki da Costa said Ms Narozanski is “one of the most principled women I know”, adding: “Another big loss to the policy unit.”

Senior Tory MP Huw Merriman, who chairs the Commons Transport Committee, said he was “deeply troubled” by the situation, and told Mr Johnson to improve or leave Downing Street for good.

In what appeared to be a slightly mixed-up warning to the Prime Minister, he told Today: “We all know that if the Prime Minister doesn’t ship up, then they have to shape out, and that’s exactly what happened when this Prime Minister took over.

“We know how it works. I’m sure the Prime Minister will be focused now on getting on with the job in hand, focusing on policy and regaining the public’s trust."

Who is Elena Narozanski?

Narozanski worked as a special adviser to the Prime Minister on women and equalities, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and extremism.

She also previously worked as a special adviser to Michael Gove when he was Secretary of State for Education, from 2010 to February 2011.

She is also a Cambridge graduate who worked as Entertainments Officer at the University Union, according to Powerbase website.

She has advised Theresa May at the Home Office.

Ms Narozanski is credited with working on Boris Johnson's 2019 electoral campaign policies on supporting grassroots football.

Ms Narozanski is an amateur boxer who has been selected for Team England and has completed several matches.