Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, resigned today, bringing to a close a nearly three-year reign marred by controversy and scandals. The news comes as the number of resignations from Johnson’s cabinet and the party has exceeded 60 since Tuesday evening, with one Conservative Party member after another openly expressing their dissatisfaction with the prime leader.
Finance Minister Rishi Sunak and Health Secretary Sajid Javid were instrumental in igniting the torrent of resignations. Following a disagreement over Johnson’s decision to select Chris Pincher as deputy chief whip earlier this year, the two high-profile ministers resigned within minutes of each other on Tuesday evening.
A vote of no confidence would be taken in Parliament; if the government lost, a general election would be called, although this would need a major revolt from Conservative MPs to support a Labour motion.
Mr Johnson had scored an unprecedented landslide win in a general election less than three years ago, but he has been besieged by scandal in recent months, including punishment for violating his own lockdown regulations.
Sir Ed Davey, Liberal Democrat Leader, said it had long been evident Mr Johnson was “unfit to lead our nation,” adding that the “people will not forgive the Conservatives for propping him up for so long.” Scottish First Minister and SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon remarked in a tweet that there is a “widespread sense of relief that the upheaval of the previous few days (indeed months) will cease.”
Sterling rose beyond $1.20 as news of a reshuffle to replace a slew of ministers who resigned in the previous 48 hours emerged. While the pound has risen, it is still 4% lower than it was a month ago, when it was trading at $1.25.
The resignation
Boris Johnson made a statement outside Downing Street at 12:30 BST confirming his resignation as Conservative leader.
Johnson stated that the process of selecting a new leader should begin immediately and that a timeline would be published next week, and that he will remain in office until a new leader is in place. The prime minister concluded his remarks by stating that the public’s interests will be served until his replacement is selected.
Johnson’s departure puts an end to his reputation as the “Teflon Prime Minister.” The former mayor of London, 58, was well-known for his ability to sidestep political scandal. Despite rising dissatisfaction with Johnson’s leadership, he survived a vote of confidence conducted by his own MPs last month.
Following Johnson’s resignation, a leadership contest will be held to select who will be the next Conservative leader and prime minister. Former Finance Minister Rishi Sunak, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, former Health Minister Sajid Javid, former Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, former Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove, International Trade Minister Penny Mordaunt, and Défense Minister Ben Wallace are among those expected to contest the leadership.
