By Ode Idoko in London
After months of tit-a-tat that culminated at massive resignation of some some British ministers, the man at the eyes of the storm, Boris Johnson finally bows out Thursday.
Speaking outside Downing Street, Johnson said it was “clearly the will of the parliamentary Conservative party” for him to step down.
“It’s painful” not to be able to deliver on my plans” Johnson said and put the blame on the “herd instinct” in Westminster for his downfall and saying: “Them’s the breaks.”
In comment likely to needle those who rebelled against him, he branded the Tories’ decision to oust him “eccentric”.
The former prime minister however insisted on hanging on for few weeks until a new leader is found. Many observers however view this decision as divisive, with many in his own party calling for him to quit right away and allow a caretaker leader to take the reins.
The process to elect a new Conservative leader usually lasts around 12 weeks, with MPs vying for leadership in a similar way to a general election.
Leadership hopefuls would need two nominations from other Tory MPs to run – after which party MPs would hold a ballot to choose the candidates, with those receiving the least votes eliminated until only two remain.
As it’s entirely an internal party matter, a general election is not needed – so the decision of who becomes the leader is down to Conservative party members, who have the final say.
Sir Keir Starmer said Labour would call a vote of no confidence if Johnson tried to cling on.
Dominic Cummings, formerly Johnson’s right-hand man in No 10 but now one of his most fierce critics, said the PM would cause “carnage” if he was allowed to remain in position and suggested Dominic Raab should stand in as a caretaker premier.
Minutes before he appeared for his resignation speech, Johnson made a number of new ministerial appointments. It could be recalled that Johnson survived the hammer recently when the MPs failed to pass a vote of no confidence on him.
