Announcing his resignation today, Boris Johnson said that the process of choosing the new leader should begin now and the timetable will be announced the next week
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaks to media next to 10 Downing Street in London. AP
New Delhi: Boris Johnson on Thursday announced his resignation as Conservative Party chief, but said that he would continue as the Britain’s prime minister till a new leader is elected.
“I want you to know how sad I am to be giving up the best job in the world,” Johnson said.
His address outside No 10 Downing Street on Thursday comes after persistent pressure from ministerial colleagues and lawmakers in his Conservative party for him to step down. Around 50 senior lawmakers have quit the UK government, leaving Johnson unable to govern.
“It is clearly now the will of the parliamentary Conservative Party that there should be a new leader of the party and therefore a new prime minister,” he added.
Johnson said that the process of choosing the new leader should begin now and the timetable will be announced the next week.
“I have agreed 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,” the Britain’s PM said.
Johnson further said that he has appointed a Cabinet today to serve until a new leader is in place. He said the Cabinet has been appointed following a multitude of resignations, but many are calling for him to go now.
Tried to persuade colleagues: Boris Johnson
In his address today, Johnson said that he tried to persuade his colleagues that “it would be eccentric to change governments when we’re delivering so much and when we have such a vast mandate”.
He said that his Conservative party is “only a handful of points behind in the polls, even in midterm after quite a few months of pretty relentless sledging and when the economic scene is so difficult domestically and internationally”.
Johnson further said that he regrets to not be successful in arguments. “It’s painful not to see through so many ideas and projects,” he added.
The British prime minister said that his arguments to stay in power were “rejected” due to a “herd instinct” at Westminster.
This is a developing story, Refresh for more updates.
Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,
India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.