Boris Johnson will stay as interim prime minister of the United Kingdom until the Conservative party decide on who succeeds him

Boris Johnson resigned as United Kingdom’s prime minister, triggering a race to fill the top job.

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

BORIS JOHNSON
FORMER PRIME MINISTER OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND

By midday on Thursday, 59 Ministers in Boris Johnson’s government had resigned their posts.

Less than one hour later, Boris Johnson appeared at 10 Downing Street’s front door – saying it was clear a new leader was needed.

The Prime Minister @BorisJohnson makes a statement. https://t.co/EfgXuyazjw

— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) July 7, 2022

It was a speech noted for its absence words like “resign” or “resignation”.

“It was a short and bizarre resignation speech which didn’t mention the word resign or resignation once. There was no apology, no contrition,”

Andrew Bridgen
CONSERVATIVE MP

Despite a meteoric rise to the UK’s top job, Boris Johnson’s prime ministership quickly plunged into scandal and outrage.

He took over the reigns from Theresa May, who failed to deliver Brexit on her watch.

He called an election for December 12, 2019 with the promise to “Get Brexit Done” and won the Conservatives an 80-seat majority, paving the way for a rapid Brexit.

But the twilight of his prime ministership saw increasing scandals and disgrace that ate away at his authority and support.

Parties and socialising that took place in Number 10 during the height of Coronavirus pandemic lockdowns were revealed, and became persistent scandal.

Luxurious and expensive renovations of the residences within Number 10 were a further source of public anger.

As was the appointment of a minister who was accused of sexual misconduct.

Ultimately, Boris Johnson, famed for his bluster, banter and cavalier bravado could not hold onto power.

Boris Johnson leaves behind a post-Brexit nation

He leaves behind Northern Ireland, the only part of the UK that shares a land border with the European Union, facing increased bureaucracy, paperwork and delays in customs.

An increasingly loud Scotland with Nicola Sturgeon making the case for another attempt at Scottish independence.

And a country reeling from a cost of living crisis.

Whoever ultimately takes over from Boris Johnson will have to hit the ground running.