International reporting
United Kingdom: the reaction of Londoners to the resignation of Boris Johnson
Audio 02:31
Boris Johnson announced Thursday, July 7 his resignation from the Conservative Party but indicated that he would remain in power until his successor was appointed.
© AP/Stefan Rousseau
By: Daniel Vallot Follow
3 mins
Weakened by repeated scandals, Boris Johnson finally gave in to pressure from within his own camp and announced his resignation on July 7.
It will not be effective until next fall since he wants to continue to manage day-to-day business.
The announcement was welcomed by the prime minister's detractors who are now calling for his immediate departure.
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From our special correspondent in London,
Bridget has a hard time staying calm when talking about Boris Johnson.
It must be said that this resident of London does not like her Prime Minister at all.
“
It was hanging in his face: he lied about Brexit, he lied about everything, and he made us the laughing stock of Europe.
We lost a lot by leaving the EU… I am happy that he is leaving.
Good riddance !
she exclaims.
► To read also: United Kingdom: Prime Minister Boris Johnson announces his resignation as head of the Conservative Party
Colin nods.
This retired civil servant could not stand the Prime Minister's repeated lies.
He is known to have lied his entire career.
When he was a journalist at the Times, he made up stories and he was even fired for it.
He is constantly criticized for telling lies, sometimes he admits it, and then he repeats it!
He's a pathological liar.
“They clearly took us for idiots”
In the eyes of the British,
it was undoubtedly Partygate
that was fatal to Boris Johnson.
These clandestine parties organized within the government, in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“
We had relatives in the hospital that we couldn't even see, and they partied every Friday night!
People obeyed the rules, they were separated from each other… But not them!
They clearly took us for idiots
, ” gets carried away Jacquie, a Londoner.
► To read also: Two ministers of Boris Johnson's government resign, tired of scandals
But Boris Johnson still retains supporters.
Dorothy voted for him in 2019 and she would vote for him again today.
“He got us out of the pandemic, he did Brexit, he avoided the recession, and what are we reproaching him for?
To have partied during the Covid?
I don't think it's a crime and I think he did the country good.
For me, yes, he was a good leader…
”, assures Dorothy.
The desire for immediate change
But Boris Johnson is not quite gone.
He wants to stay in power until a new Tory leader is appointed – which could last until the fall.
An unacceptable situation for many Britons.
"
I think he should leave right away and let Dominic Raab, his deputy prime minister, take care of day-to-day business
," Robert said.
“
He has lost all credibility within his own government!
So how can he continue to lead them?
he asks himself.
A majority of Britons want Boris Johnson to resign immediately.
Several Conservative Party heavyweights, including former Prime Minister John Major, have also called on him to relinquish power as soon as possible.
► To read also: United Kingdom: internationally the resignation of Boris Johnson between regrets and relief
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