UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is resigning after three years in office. He will remain in position until the Conservative Party finds a successor. Mr. Johnson held the post for almost three years, and it was previously occupied by Theresa May.
Johnson’s leadership has been under attack for a while, and his government was plagued by scandals. However, it was a long list of resignations from government ministers that made it impossible for him to continue.
Boris Johnson resigns after “Partygate” and groping scandal
Boris Johnson’s “Partygate” was a turning point in his downfall. In November and December 2020 government officials reportedly hosted parties while the country under strict COVID-19 lockdown rules. Johnson initially denied the allegations.
However, an investigation was launched. Moreover, Johnson was later fined and apologized for breaking COVID rules. He claimed he did not know he was breaking the rules.
In recent weeks, a groping scandal involving an official put Johnson in even more trouble. Some experts say this scandal hurt him more than all of the others.
Until the very end, the bombastic politician had signaled his plans to fight back and not give up. However, in the last 24 hours, his posture became unsustainable.
His departure raises a lot of questions for the UK. Moreover, the world is also watching because, in recent years, Johnson endorsed a crucial role in global politics and diplomacy.
Boris Johnson resigns after tumultuous reign
The outgoing Prime Minister has held a central place in UK politics for the last ten years. Some even say that he was instrumental in the fall of his two predecessors — David Cameron and Theresa May.
The same critics say that he is also the main element in his own fall from grace. Ethic scandals have led to a revolt from members of his party.
He has promised not to launch any significant policy or fiscal changes before leaving his post. Johnson is presenting himself as a caretaker during this interval that will lead to a successor.
A few observers say taking a backseat is contrary to his character, and he may have a hard time keeping his word. Johnson is hoping that the transition will last about three months.
A real fighter, Johnson still had to face reality after 60 members of his own government decided to resign. Johnson stayed true to his persona in his resignation speech in front of the 10 Downing Street door.
The astute politician never said the words that he was resigning, but the message was clear. This little ambiguity has some saying that Johnson may find a way to keep his job.
A timetable to find a successor will be made public next week. Critics are clear; Johnson has to go.
Labour party leader Keir Starmer wants Johnson to leave rapidly
Opposition leader Keir Starmer, who is trying to revive the Labour Party, wants Johnson gone as soon as possible. He hopes that the outgoing Prime Minister will not cling to power while Conservatives look for a new leader.
Mr. Starmer even plans to introduce a vote of confidence if Conservatives make the replacement process linger. The soft-left politician made his position known on social media following Johnson’s resignation.
He states in a video posted on his official Twitter account: “He needs to go completely — none of this nonsense about clinging on for a few months. He’s inflicted lies, fraud, and chaos in the country.”
He then adds: “And the change we need is not a change at the top of the Tory party; it’s much more fundamental than that. We need a change of government and a fresh start for Britain.”
We are stuck with a government that isn’t functioning.
The Prime Minister needs to go completely – not cling on for a few months.
Britain needs a fresh start. If the Tory party doesn’t get rid of him, Labour will act in the national interest and bring a vote of no confidence. pic.twitter.com/SqL6VUAnLR
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 7, 2022
The Labour Party has not seen the power in over 12 years. Gordon Brown resigned in May 2010 after close to three years in the leadership role.
Former PM John Major says it is unwise for Johnson to stay for three more months
Former British Prime Minister Sir John Major, a Conservative, who held the office for six years in the 1990s, says it is “unwise and may be unsustainable” for Johnson to remain in power for at least three months like he is advocating.
Major explains in a statement: “The proposal for the Prime Minister to remain in office – for up to three months — having lost the support of his Cabinet, his Government, and his parliamentary party is unwise and may be unsustainable.”
The retired politician also adds: “Some will argue that his new Cabinet will restrain him. I merely note that his previous Cabinet did not — or could not — do so.”
Johnson’s critics are right to be skeptical because some believe that he still has a few tricks up his sleeves.
Dominic Cummings, a former Johnson aide, who is now a critic, believes that his former boss is still looking for a comeback.
Cumming writes on Twitter: “I know that guy & I’m telling you he doesn’t think it’s over. He blames everyone else. He thinks he’s the real victim. Sets up betrayal story for future Tory conferences & Telegraph columns. We’re all in for a nightmare if he’s allowed to squat.”
There is an actual race to succeed Johnson, and many Conservative talents are plotting to be the next UK Prime Minister. It will take a little time for the real contenders to reveal their cards.