London:
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson stood down on Thursday saying the party’s eccentric decision forced him to quit. He expressed disappointment and pain at the time of putting in his papers. He confirmed that he intended to remain in office until his successor was chosen, but is facing opposition from some backbenchers who want him to leave sooner with an interim leader appointed.
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Johnson ended with a reference to the cost-of-living crisis, saying: “Even if things can sometimes seem dark now, our future together is golden.” Though Johnson wants to continue to the annual Conservative conference in October, the timetable for the contest is not in his hands but instead will be determined by Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 Committee of Conservative backbenchers, and his executive.
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.
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.
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.
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Sunak did not directly accuse the Prime Minister of impropriety in his letter of resignation, but 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.
