Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
BORIS JOHNSON HAS announced his resignation as UK Prime Minister.
It follows a slew of resignations over the last 48 hours, which began with the resignation of Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Health Secretary Sajid Javid on Tuesday and ended with calls from senior Cabinet figures calling for Johnson to step down.
This included new Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi, who privately called for Johnson to resign before making a public statement earlier this morning.
Over 50 members of Government resigned after Johnson was forced to apologise over his handling of a row involving the former deputy chief whip Chris Pincher, after it emerged Johnson had forgotten about being told of previous allegations of Pincher’s “inappropriate” conduct.
In a public statement this lunchtime, Johnson said that there should be a new leader of the Conservative Party and that he will remain in post until a new leader is selected.
“It’s 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,” said Johnson.
“I’ve agreed with Sir Graham Brady, the chairman of our backbench MPs, that the process of choosing that new leader should begin now and the timetable will be announced next week.
“And I’ve today appointed a Cabinet to serve, as I will, until a new leader is in place.”
Johnson said that he attempted to persuade his Cabinet ministers to back him, saying it would be “eccentric” to change the Prime Minister but that he was not successful.
“In politics, no one is remotely indispensable,” he added.
He said that there would be many people who would be both relieved and disappointed that he was resigning.
“I want you to know how sad I am to be giving up the best job in the world but them’s the breaks,” said Johnson.
Immediate reaction to Johnson’s resignation came from Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, who tweeted that he made the right decision by stepping down.
“We need calmness and unity now and to keep governing while a new leader is found,” Truss said.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said that he had worked closely with Johnson, the relationship between Ireland and the UK had become “strained” in recent months.
“Our two Governments working in close partnership is a key underpinning for peace and prosperity on these islands. While Prime Minister Johnson and I engaged actively together, we didn’t always agree, and the relationship between our Governments has been strained and challenged in recent times,” Martin said.
He called for both Governments to return to closer working relationship, saying that there was an opportunity to do so with the election of a new Prime Minister.
“Our joint responsibilities concerning stewardship of the Good Friday Agreement, as well as nurturing broader bilateral relations between us, require us to work together in a spirit of respect, trust and partnership.
“That is more important than ever today and I would once again urge a pulling back from unilateral action, whether that be on dealing with the legacy of the past, human rights, or the Northern Ireland Protocol.
“We have now an opportunity to return to the true spirit of partnership and mutual respect that is needed to underpin the gains of the Good Friday Agreement,” Martin said.
US President Joe Biden has also released a statement, saying that the relationship between the UK and US will remain strong.
“The United Kingdom and the United States are the closest of friends and allies, and the special relationship between our people remains strong and enduring,” Biden said.
“I look forward to continuing our close cooperation with the Government of the United Kingdom, as well as our allies and partners around the world, on a range of important priorities.
“This includes maintaining a strong and united approach to supporting the people of Ukraine as they defend themselves against Putin’s brutal war on their democracy, and holding Russia accountable for its actions.”
Trump , Johnson and next Putin
@Aunties: Please don’t associate Johnson with Putin.
@sean o’dhubhghaill: dangerous men in different shapes . Good riddance
@Aunties: Say what you like, Johnson recognises strong democracy. Only strong democracy saw off Donald Trump. Removing Putin is a whole different ball game.
@sean o’dhubhghaill: he’s associated with Putin himself. He recently met with one of Putin’s henchmen, in private, in his residence, in Italy.
@Aunties: You’re absolutely right, all 3 of these people have psychotic delusions about their moral and intellectual superiority. They’re ALWAYS right, they’re NEVER wrong, they’re vision and values are right, what would lesser inferior “pleps” like us know. They have No empathy, no conscious, no concerns for anything except their own agenda. They’ve completely forgotten that government is supposed to be about what in the best interests of citizens and society. Or maybe that’s just a utopian dream ….
@Aunties: all excellent leaders, your right
@Shane Lad:
They have followers but that doesn’t make them leaders…
but they are only products of a deeper flaw
Zero humility. Blamed sledgers, leaders and those who abandoned him. Absolutely no ability to recognise his direction failings
@Ciarán Ó Fallúin:
@Ciarán Ó Fallúin: Absolutely no accountability whatsoever.
@Brendan Kelly: I agree
Would be so on trend for FFFG to do the honorable thing also….ah, but we can only dream.
@Keth Warsaw:
What honorable thing?
The parties you are talking about got Ireland from a third world country to one of the richest in few decades… It is considered economic miracle…
Lets compare that to say Sinn Fein… The GFA was signed in the late 90s, Northern Ireland still has 75% of economy working directly or indirectly for the Birtish Government… During the COVID crisis they were will to bring down the Government in the North over the Irish Language but not the senseless COVID deaths due to lack of an Island policy…
So when you say honorable, Some leaders say unpopular things for the right reason like Martin, others say nothing and let bad things happen… Thanks for reminding me…
@Cowboy Paddy: ok…ok….
Unfortunately he’ll just be replaced by another tory toff. Will the labour party sort itself out to properly challenge them?
@Brian Dunne:
This will be an interesting race… If the Soft Brexit get a candidate in the final two it could be very interesting. For Ireland having Hunt in charge could cool things down a lot…
@Cowboy Paddy: From friends in UK I’m told that some of the checks at the ports are already being reduced and will be reduced further. The daftness of Brexit is beginning to hit home.
Its a bit like a soldier of private rank inspecting the troops instead of the General. If you have lost your party leadership , you have lost the prime ministers job….end of
Toodle-oo, muppet
Wobble
It’s everyone’s fault but mine
Wibble
Small bit of Latin….
Again I did nothing wrong it’s everyone else’s fault but mine
Great news that he finally stepped down, under duress of course. My opinion too is that he should be gone today. Let the deputy ( such as HE is )do a caretaker roll until a new one is appointed.
Pity he is still in charge until October.
He’s only staying on so that he has more time on the pitch than Theresa May in history books.
@Stephen Mogerley: Don’t forget the tax payer subsidized wedding party in Checkers at the end of this month
Will Ukraine still be a priority now that it hasn’t saved him?
They could do worse than have Mr Jason Resse Mogg in the top job. He has a certain and unique decorum about his person. He’ll be in the running for sure. Or I’ll eat my hat!
@Keth Warsaw: is this a parody account?
@Keth Warsaw: Unique indeed. The same Rees mogg who conceded that Britain would have a ten year recession as a result of Brexit. Meanwhile he and his missus ( both multi millionaires) have moved their business interests to Europe.
Covid and the war have distracted from Brexit but it was the worst move that the UK could ever have done.
@dreiglaser: You insult me Sir! Something something how dare you. But in reply to your question, indeed it is not. Not unless one sees the state of current world affairs as a parody also, and one realises that sincere and honest opinion like the fruit falling upon the concrete ground of an urban landscape is destined to succeed only in failing to propogate. But I thank you for your inquiry.
@Keth Warsaw: you could start eating anytime
@Bert Carolan: So….you are a fan or you’re not a fan? Labour just don’t have the charisma or the staunch leadership right now -all at sea – and dare I say, are still reeling from past scandals. Mogg, however he plays it, shows he’s an intelligent and concise individual, not to mention the aforementioned charisma, which thankfully he plays an octave or two lower than Boris.
@Ray Martin: Such ejaculations.
@Keth Warsaw: Not a fan. He and his like pushed for Brexit knowing that others would pay the price while they themselves would be insulated. Maybe I’m naive.
I can’t see any way he is elected Tory leader, too removed from the common man or at least that’s how he’d be perceived.
@Bert Carolan: The thumbs up say it all.
I’m still a fan.
Will he miss the wallpaper?
@Joe L: — All the sheets of wallpaper are zipped together, and they’re taking it with them when the van arrives. Like Trump, they’ll probably take anything else that isn’t bolted down. The front door will probably vanish as well, so that he and Carrie can pretend that they’re still living in Downing Street.
It’s laughable that he talks about his achievements in office, because if there were any to speak of, they wouldn’t have turfed him out.
BOJO. O JOB.
brenner992000@yahoo.ie
Fry Piggy Fry … !!!
have your say