United Kingdom: even Boris Johnson's party does not mourn his departure
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson after announcing his resignation, July 7, 2022. "It is clearly the Conservative Party's desire that there is a new leader and therefore a new Prime Minister," he said in a short speech in front of Downing Street.
REUTERS - HENRY NICHOLLS
Text by: RFI Follow
2 mins
After months of controversy and 48 hours of resignation to the chain of ministers, Boris Johnson finally submitted his resignation this Thursday, July 7.
A relief for many politicians, even those in his political camp, as the situation was becoming untenable
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The British Prime Minister was let go by his party after admitting to being aware of accusations of sexual assault against a member of his majority whom he had promoted.
It was too much controversy for Boris Johnson who, at the start of the afternoon on Thursday, announced that he was leaving the head of the Conservative party.
On the other hand, he wants to remain at the head of the government until his political family appoints him a successor.
Nobody seems to regret his departure and many - including in his political family - would like to see him leave sooner.
A month ago, Boris Johnson won a vote of confidence within his party.
But today, no one seems to be holding him back.
Conservative MP Steve Baker, a Brexit supporter like Boris Johnson, said on the BBC microphone: “
I am extremely sad, but it is absolutely the right decision.
I will remember that Boris got us out of a terrible constitutional crisis, beat the far left of Jeremy Corbin.
It could have been a disaster for our country.
Thank God we can now remember that Boris saved this country from a major crisis and thank God he recognizes that now is the time to leave
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Steve Baker, MP for Wycombe, reveals he is considering running for Conservative leader pic.twitter.com/elSrhLu5CQ
— BBC Three Counties Radio (@BBC3CR) July 7, 2022
These few words from a potential candidate for his succession (see tweet above) are among the warmest that Boris Johnson has received.
And the announcement of his resignation from the leadership of the Conservative Party is not enough to calm the spirits.
Witness this address by MP Aaron Bell, a member of the Conservative Party, to a minister during a debate in the House of Commons: "
I am really very sad that in the last 48 hours so many of my honorable colleagues have felt the need to resign from the government.
If these people no longer want to serve this government, can I ask my honorable friend to convey to the Prime Minister that it would not be tenable for him to remain acting Prime Minister if he cannot reallocate the posts vacant ministers.
Former Prime Minister John Major wrote directly to the party leadership to plead for Boris Johnson's rapid departure.
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To read also: United Kingdom: internationally, the resignation of Boris Johnson between regrets and relief
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