Boris Johnson, The British Prime Minister, Has Resigned.

On the 7^{th of} July, British Prime Minister: Boris Johnson, resigned as leader of the Conservative Party. In recent months, Johnson’s premiership had been characterized by repeated scandal. During the pandemic, the Conservative Party was found to have hosted several parties; most notably, gatherings held the night before Prince Philip’s funeral.

Earlier this month, Johnson publicly apologized for the hiring of Chris Pincher, whom he appointed as a senior lawmaker, whilst aware of Pincher’s history of sexual assault claims. Losing all confidence in both Johnson’s leadership and government, a series of cabinet resignations began. Most significant were those of Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Health Secretary, Sajid Javid.

In his resignation speech, Javid stated: “Enough is enough… I have concluded that the problem starts at the top, and I believe that it is not going to change”.

With two of the most senior cabinet ministers gone, Sunak and Javid heralded a new wave of resignations and sixteen ministers left Johnson’s government on Wednesday 6^{th of} July. In fact, by his eventual resignation on the 7^{th of} July, Johnson had faced the highest number of ministerial resignations in modern parliamentary history.

Campaigns have now begun to replace Johnson in the Conservative Party’s leadership election. Contenders include Sajid Javid and Rishi Sunak, amongst others such as Nadhim Zahawi, Liz Truss, and Jeremy Hunt. Johnson has stated that he will remain in office until his successor is chosen, with the contest expected to conclude this Autumn, before the Conservative Party conference in October.