Boris Johnson stood outside No. 10 Downing street for six minutes Thursday afternoon and told the British public, Ukraine, and the rest of the world he “was sad” to have to leave “the best job in the world”.
The embattled prime minister whose term suffered a series of scandals that culminated in a flurry of resignations from his government listed his achievements and he was sorry not to be able to see them through.
From getting Brexit across the line, tackling the Covid-19 pandemic through the fasted vaccination programme rollout and leading the support for Ukraine, Johnson lauded his government’s achievements.
But it was endless scandals that sank his premiership with 59 MPs walking away from him in quick succession.
“When the herd moves it moves quickly… in politics, no one is remotely indispensable,” said the 58-year-old Johnson.
Putting up a brave face, Johnson thanked his family, his party colleagues, supporters and the British public for the privilege of being premier.
He said he had appointed a new Cabinet to see through the transition and would back the next leader.
Greg Clarke was the first appointment on Thursday morning as he was made levelling up secretary, replacing Michael Gove who Johnson fired the day before for telling him he had to go.
However, Johnson bowed to relentless pressure to quit from his inside his Conservative party and opposition parties led by Labour.
The process of choosing that new leader should begin now, Johnson said.
There were some tears from staff and boos from the crowds who gathered to hear Johnson’s resignation speech.
