British English has a family of phrases for the person who takes the blame publicly.
To carry the can: To take the blame for something, often on behalf of others.
To fall on one’s sword: To resign so that the organization can move on.
To do the decent thing: To resign without being forced.
To consider one’s position: To think about resigning. When a newspaper says that a minister should consider his position, it means that he should go.
To be hung out to dry: To be left alone to take the blame while others stay safe.