Amid array of ministerial resignations from his cabinet, United Kingdom Prime Minister, Boris Johnson has formally resigned from office.
Following calls for his resignation over the latest scandal surrounding his handling of the concerns raised about Chris Pincher, deputy chief whip, over allegations of sexual misconduct, Johnson finally threw in the towel on Thursday.
Speaking on Thursday outside No. 10 Downing Street, 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.”
According to him, 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.”