Boris Johnson is giving up on running in the campaign to replace Prime Minister Liz Truss, who resigned this week after just 44 days at 10 Downing Street. Boris Johnson, who cut short a vacation in the Dominican Republic to return to London on Saturday, and whose possible candidacy deeply divides the Conservative Party, had not yet given his decision on a possible candidacy.
“Over the past few days, I’ve unfortunately come to the conclusion that it just wouldn’t be the right thing to do. You can’t govern effectively if you don’t have a united party in parliament,’ he said in a statement, saying he had had the 100 endorsements from Tory MPs that were needed to continue the race.
Boris Johnson explains that he contacted the two declared candidates, Rishi Sunak whom he saw on Saturday evening, and also Penny Mordaunt. “I hoped that we could come together in the national interest but unfortunately we have not been able to find a way to do so,” he wrote. “Therefore, I’m afraid the best thing is to not pursue” this race and “support” whoever wins.
Former Finance Minister Rishi Sunak was the second to announce his candidacy to replace Liz Truss at Downing Street on Sunday. Minister for Relations with Parliament Penny Mordaunt made her statement on Friday.
Rishi Sunak Prime Minister on Monday?
Except surprise, after the withdrawal of Boris Johnson, Rishi Sunak should become the new Prime Minister on Monday. Candidates do indeed have until Monday afternoon to secure the 100 sponsorships needed to continue the race, but Penny Mordaunt only had 24 as of Sunday afternoon, according to a BBC tally – although she said to be “confident”.
Boris Johnson, however, is not giving up on politics. “I believe I have a lot to offer, but I’m afraid it’s just not the right time,” writes the former prime minister. And to affirm it: “I believe that I am well placed to ensure a conservative victory in 2024”, evoking the legislative elections which must take place in two years.