Boris Johnson, the prime minister of the UK, has resigned.
The Conservative party leader finally agreed to step down on Thursday following the resignation of over 50 government ministers and consultation with senior ministers at 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the prime minister.
Johnson gave a resignation speech outside the prime minister’s residence in London on Thursday. “I want you to know how sad I am to be giving up the best job in the world,” he said. “But them’s the breaks.”
In his speech, Johnson confirmed he wants to stay on as PM until autumn, the BBC also reported, during which time the Conservative party would elect a new leader internally, however this has been met with fierce criticism.
Needless to say, there’s been a colossal reaction online.
Opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer issued a statement, saying, “It is good news for the country that Boris Johnson has resigned as Prime Minister. But it should have happened long ago. He was always unfit for office. He has been responsible for lies, scandal and fraud on an industrial scale. And all those who have been complicit should be utterly ashamed.”
First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon also responded to the news in a thread, tweeting, “Boris Johnson was always manifestly unfit to be PM and the Tories should never have elected him leader or sustained him in office for as long as they have. But the problems run much deeper than one individual. The Westminster system is broken.”
First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford also tweeted in favour of Johnson’s decision, as did First Minister (Designate) of Northern Ireland Michelle O’Brien.
Other MPs have also responded to the news.
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London (a post previously held by Johnson between 2008 until 2016), also chimed in with his thoughts on the outgoing PM.
The unofficial Twitter account for Larry the Cat, the official Chief Mouser at 10 Downing Street, took full credit for pushing Johnson’s decision along.
Beyond Downing Street and Westminster, people had plenty to say about Johnson’s long-drawn-out resignation.
Particularly outside the UK, people were merely enjoying the show or trying to understand it.
So, what happens now? Here’s an explainer on what’s next for the UK.
