British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has resigned as Conservative leader amid UK government crisis.
The government woke up to more ministerial resignations on Thursday.
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Pressure piled on Johnson as New Education Secretary Michelle Donelan and Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis, resigned.
Ministers Helen Whately, Damian Hinds, George Freeman, Guy Opperman, Chris Philp, and James Cartlidge had earlier stepped down.
Home Secretary Priti Patel and Transport Secretary Grant Shapps were among those who asked Johnson to step down.
Speaking outside No. 10 Downing St on Thursday, Johnson said it is clearly the will of his party that he should resign and there should be a new leader.
“I’ve agreed with Sir Graham Brady, the chairman of the backbench MPs that the process of choosing that new leader should begin now and the timetable will be announced next week. I’ve of today appointed a cabinet to serve as I will until a new leader is in place,” he said.
“The reason I have fought so hard in the last few days to continue to deliver that mandate in person was not just because I wanted to do so, but because I felt it was my job, my duty, my obligation to you to continue to do what we promised in 2019.”
Johnson said he had tried to convince his colleagues that it will be “eccentric” to change governments, adding that he regrets “not having been successful in those arguments”.
“Of course, it’s painful not to be able to see through so many ideas and projects myself. Our brilliant and Darwinian system will produce another leader equally committed to taking this country forward through tough times, not just helping families to get through it, but changing and improving the way we do things. Cutting the burden of businesses and families, And yes, cutting taxes,” he said.
“To that new leader, I say I will give you as much support as I can. And to you, the British public, I believe there will be many people who are relieved or disappointed. I want you to know how sad I am to be giving up the best job in the world.”
Johnson will continue to serve as prime minister until the autumn to allow a new leadership contest to take place.
