Boris Johnson is set to step down as prime minister today after a fatal onslaught of resignations in protest over his leadership.
An ally of Mr. Johnson had claimed on Wednesday night that he had vowed to “fight on”. But the slew of more than 50 resignations continued on Thursday morning, with Michelle Donelan’s departure as education secretary just 35 hours into the role making her the fifth Cabinet minister to quit.
Mr. Johnson’s new chancellor Nadhim Zahawi also publicly urged him to “do the right thing and go now”, as Suella Braverman revealed ambitions to replace him as PM while still in post as attorney general.
The dramatic collapse in support came after it emerged Mr. Johnson promoted Tory MP Chris Pincher to a role with responsibility for MPs’ welfare, despite knowledge of misconduct claims against him.
It is expected the prime minister will remain in post until a new Tory leader is in place by the party’s annual conference in October, a No 10 source said.
Independent (UK)
