Boris Johnson set to quit as Tory leader, but to stay on as PM

InternationalBoris Johnson set to quit as Tory leader, but to stay on...

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London: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is all set to resign after concluding that his position is untenable. He has reportedly told allies that he wants to stay on until the Conservative Party conference in October when a new leader is to take over. Johnson also spoke to the head of the 1922 Committee to tell him that he would quit. Sources in the Conservative Party, however, said that Johnson might have to struggle to convince his party to let him stay on until the conference.

Meanwhile,Conservative MP Steve Brine told BBC News that he had been speaking to colleagues in the Commons tearoom and that there was a “gathering view” that it would not be sustainable for Johnson to remain as Prime Minister till the coming autumn. He also said that he hoped the party would set a high threshold for candidates wanting to enter the first ballot, so that only MPs with significant support get considered.

In the past 48 hours, several cabinet ministers have resigned, which has hit the Johnson-led government. Even if Johnson resigns, he may continue as Prime Minister.

Regarding the resignation, “the Prime Minister will make a statement to the country today”, the BBC quoted a Downing Street spokesperson as saying. He had vowed to “keep going” following a wave of resignations from the government over his leadership but has now decided to step down.

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A Conservative leadership race will take place soon and a new Prime Minister will be in place in time for the Conservative Party conference in October. Earlier on Thursday, Caroline Johnson resigned as vice chair of the Conservative Party, as well as Nadhim Zahawi and Michelle Donelan, who were only appointed as the Chancellor and Education Secretary respectively on Tuesday, have also quit.

In his resignation letter, Zahawi, who was given the job less than 48 hours ago, said he had “made clear to the Prime Minister” that he should “leave with dignity”, the BBC reported. In her resignation letter, Donelan said, “I see no way that you (Johnson) continue in post, but without a formal mechanism to remove you it seems that the only way this is only possible, is for those of us who remain in cabinet to force your hand.”

Ministers Helen Whately, Damian Hinds, George Freeman, Guy Opperman, Chris Philp, and James Cartlidge have also stepped down. (what is product concept)

Two of the biggest resignations on Tuesday were that of Indian-origin Rishi Sunak from the post of Chancellor and Pakistani-origin Sajid Javid as the Secretary of State for Health.

Sunak did not directly accuse the Prime Minister of impropriety in his letter of resignation but instead highlighted ideological and policy differences, which sounded like him advocating fiscal prudence versus Johnson wanting to borrow and spend. Javid said he can no longer serve in Johnson’s government in “good conscience” as he has “lost confidence” in the Prime Minister.

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