Boris Johnson has resigned as Britain’s prime minister, bringing an end to one of the rockiest tenures for a world leader in modern times after a series of scandals rocked his government’s confidence in him.
Bowing to growing pressure as more than 50 ministers quit and lawmakers said he must go, Johnson spoke outside his Downing Street office Thursday to confirm he would resign.
Johnson said it is “clearly the will” of his Conservative Party that there should be a new leader, but will remain as British prime minister while a leadership contest is held to choose his successor. “The process of choosing that new leader should begin now.
And today I have appointed a cabinet to serve, as I will until a new leader is in place,” Johnson said. Read more: British PM Boris Johnson expected to step down amid political fallout His exit marks a remarkable fall from grace for the charismatic Conservative leader, who just two-and-a-half years ago was celebrating an overwhelming election victory and the full backing of his party.