The United Kingdom Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has on Thursday finally resigned from his position.
His dramatic downfall comes after several ministers from his own Conservative Party resigned their posts and publicly urged him to step down, citing concerns over his judgment, authority and leadership.
Recall that a series of scandals over coronavirus lockdown parties, the refurbishment of his official apartment and the appointment of an ally accused of sexual misconduct and other issues contributed to Johnson’s fall from grace.
Johnson initially refused to concede power, digging in for days as lawmakers accused him of plunging Britain into a near constitutional crisis. But on Thursday he told the British public he was “sad” to be “giving up the best job in the world,” and promised to support the new leader, remarking in his characteristically upbeat manner that the future of the
Meanwhile his resignation will pave the way for a successor to replace him as British prime minister after dozens of his ministers quit his scandal-hit government.
Following his resignation, British Foreign Secretary, Liz Truss, called for “calmness and unity” Thursday after Johnston quit as Conservative Party leader following a series of scandals and an exodus of cabinet ministers.
“The PM has made the right decision. The Government under Boris’s leadership had many achievements — delivering Brexit, vaccines and backing Ukraine. We need calmness and unity now and to keep governing while a new leader is found,” she tweeted from Bali where she is scheduled to attend a G20 ministerial meeting on Friday.
In his speech, Johnson said his resignation was “clearly now the will of the parliamentary party”, adding that the move will pave way for a new prime minister to replace him.
According to him, I waited so long to make the decision as I have been keen to deliver on the voters’ mandate in person as I felt it was my duty and obligation to do what I had promised.
Johnson said he was immensely proud of his achievements while in office, while he thanked his wife Carrie, his children, the NHS, armed forces, and Downing Street staff.
