Boris Johnson Resigns after Party Revolt, To Stay till New Leader Emerges

MSN/

Boris Johnson stepped down as leader of the Conservative Party on Thursday but will continue to serve as prime minister until his successor is chosen, following an avalanche of resignations within his own Cabinet that eroded his authority and paralyzed the British government.

Speaking to a crowd of supporters and onlookers at the lectern outside 10 Downing Street, Johnson said, “it is clearly now the will of the parliamentary Conservative Party that there should be a new leader of that party and therefore a new prime minister.”

“I’ve appointed a cabinet to serve, as I will until a new leader is in place,” he said. That process could take at least six weeks or longer. The timetable will be announced next week.

Johnson did not become emotional, nor did he apologize for the behavior and actions that brought the 58-year-old politician to this low point.

Instead, he blamed his parliamentary party for his quick downfall, comparing his fellow lawmakers to stampeding animals.

“As we have seen at Westminster … when the herd moves, it moves. And my friends, in politics, no one is remotely indispensable,” Johnson said.

He paid tribute to Carrie, his wife, who was watching his speech with their young daughter in her arms.

“I know there are many people who are relieved, and perhaps quite a few who will also be disappointed. I want you to know how sad I am to be giving up the best job in the world. But them’s the breaks.”

Earlier on Thursday, Johnson agreed to resign as leader of the Conservative Party but could remain in office until the party would pick a new prime minister. There would be no general election.

There was immediate and fierce pushback to that idea from some lawmakers and party grandees who warned that Johnson was soiling the Conservative Party brand and that he was too damaged to stay in office through the summer.

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