Boris Johnson has announced his resignation as Conservative leader, paving the way for a new Prime Minister.
He agreed this morning to leave Number 10 and made a formal statement early this afternoon.
His resignation comes after newly appointed Education Secretary Michelle Donelan resigned after just over a day in her new post, with new Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi also joining calls asking the Prime Minister to go.
Speaking outside Number 10, Mr Johnson said: “It is clearly the will of the parliamentary Conservative Party that there should be a new leader of that party, and therefore a new Prime Minister.
“I agree with Sir Graham Brady, the chairman of our backbench MPs, that the process of choosing that new leader should begin now and the timetable will be announced next week.
“I have today appointed a cabinet to serve as I will until the new leader is in place.”
Mr Johnson also thanked his family, the civil service, as well as emergency services, staff at Number 10, as well as the public.
He said: “Above all, I want to thank you, the British public for the immense privilege that you have given me.”
The timeline for Mr Johnson’s departure is still being debated.
Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer said: “He needs to go completely. None of this nonsense about clinging on for a few months.
“He’s inflicted lies, fraud, and chaos in the country.”
Mr Johnson’s upcoming departure comes after a wave of resignations from 59 MPs over the last 48 hours, initiated by former cabinet ministers Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Health Secretary Sajid Javid.
Their resignations come after months of scandal within the Tory party, with Mr Johnson’s handling of allegations against former Deputy Chief Whip Chris Pincher appearing to be the final straw.
New cabinet appointments are currently being made, with Greg Clark appointed Levelling Up Secretary – taking over from Michael Gove, who the Prime Minister fired last night – and James Cleverly appointed the new Education Secretary.
Speculation continues around Mr Johnson’s replacement, with Penny Mordaunt, Ben Wallace and Rishi Sunak all dubbed the bookie’s favourites to replace him as leader of the Conservative party.
Featured image: Number 10 (CC BY-NC-NC 2.0)
