Johnson: Sad to have to leave the best job in the world

Dhe British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced his expected resignation as Tory party leader. “I will now resign from office,” Johnson said in London on Thursday. The process of electing a successor at the head of the Conservative Party should begin, and the schedule will be presented next week. But he wants to continue as prime minister until a successor is elected, Johnson said.

He agreed on this procedure with Graham Brady, the chairman of the “1922 Committee”. This body, in which the “backbenchers” of the conservative lower house faction organize themselves, is responsible for the election of a new leader. Backbenchers are members of parliament who have no government function, not even as secretaries of state.

Wave of resignations put Johnson under pressure

Johnson added that no one in politics is irreplaceable. He promised to support the new party leader as best he could. The 58-year-old politician said he held office for so long because he thought it was his duty. Johnson added, “I want to tell you how sad I am that I have to leave the best job in the world.”

The scandal-ridden Prime Minister had come under massive pressure in the past few days. Several cabinet members and dozens of parliamentary government officials resigned from their posts.

Shortly before his statement, Johnson appointed new ministers on Thursday. James Cleverly becomes the new education secretary. This post in particular highlights the turbulent events in the British government in recent days: only on Tuesday evening did the prime minister make the former education minister, Nadhim Zahawi, his finance minister to replace Rishi Sunak, who resigned in protest against Johnson.

Johnson initially appointed Michelle Donelan to succeed Zahawi in the education portfolio, but she also turned her back on Johnson and made her post available by Thursday morning. Zahawi remains Treasury Secretary, but has asked Johnson to resign.

Johnson’s deputy Dominic Raab could be considered as interim prime minister. However, the Attorney General remained loyal to Johnson to the end. Several cabinet members are considered potential successors. Secretary of State Liz Truss reportedly cut short a trip to Indonesia and headed back to London. She is considered one of the most promising candidates.