Boris Johnson, the UK’s prime minister since 2019 and the spearhead of the 2016 Brexit campaign, resigned today.
Johnson’s resignation follows a huge revolt from his Conservative party, during which more than 50 lawmakers resigned in a 36-hour period starting on Tuesday night, when Rishi Sunak, the chancellor of the exchequer, and Sajid Javid, the health secretary, quit the government. Many of those resigning said they could no longer continue to serve under Johnson, and most called for him to step down.
In a speech outside 10 Downing Street today Johnson said he would stay on as prime minister until a new leader is selected.
Addressing the British people, Johnson said: “I want you to know how sad I am to be giving up the best job in the world; but them’s the breaks.”
