In the wake of mass resignations, in which over 50 Tory ministers quit their posts in a historic walkout, it has been announced that Boris Johnson will resign as leader of the Conservative party today, July 7. However, he plans to remain as prime minister until autumn.
A No 10 spokesperson said: “The prime minister will make a statement to the country today.”
The mass exodus was prompted by what they cited as the mishandling of a series of scandals and a lack of ethics. The wave of resignations was kickstarted when Rishi Sunak and Sajid Javid resigned as chancellor and health secretary respectively.
The breaking point for a lot of the now-former ministers seems to have been Johnson’s handling of harassment allegations against deputy chief whip Chris Pincher. However, this was just the latest in a series of scandals, including ‘Partygate’, attempts to change the standards system, and accusations of breaking international law.
Until late yesterday, Johnson had remained bullish about his future as leader. On Wednesday evening, Johnson’s team at Number 10 had been briefing that Sunak’s replacement as chancellor, Nadhim Zahawi, was on board with a joint economic plan, confirming that Zahawi was still happy to work with Johnson. But by this morning, July 7, Zahwai released a public letter officially withdrawing his support for the prime minister and urging him to resign.
It’s also reported that Johnson was facing the increasing likelihood of a second vote of no confidence, which could have taken place as early as next week.
Although Johnson has committed to resigning as leader of the Conservative party—he’s reportedly confirmed his plans with the Queen—he still intends to remain in his post as prime minister, at least until there’s a Conservative party leadership contest. For many in the party, including those who have not resigned, this is not enough.
Kwasi Kwarteng, the business secretary, said the party needs “a new leader as soon as practicable”.
“Someone who can rebuild trust, heal the country, and set out a new, sensible and consistent economic approach to help families,” he added.
Backbencher Simon Hoare said: “Ministers resigned *because* of the PM. The Party lost confidence *because* of the PM. It is beyond credulity that Mr Johnson can stay in office even pro tem. New constitutional territory but he has to go and go means go.”
George Freeman, who resigned as science minister, added: “We need ministers back at their desks. Now PM has finally done the decent thing he needs to hand in the seals of office, apologise to Her Majesty, allow her to appoint a Caretaker under whom Ministers can serve, so the Conservative Party can choose a new leader properly.”
Labour leader Keir Starmer said he was pleased Johnson was to resign but was quick to admonish those who had enabled him: “It is good news for the country that Boris Johnson has resigned, but it should have happened long ago. He was always unfit for office. He has been responsible for lies, scandal and fraud on an industrial scale. And all those who have been complicit should be utterly ashamed.”
