Rabat – Boris Johnson, the British Prime Minister who oversaw the country’s exit from the EU and the COVID-19 pandemic, has agreed to step down following a series of scandals and a loss of trust from his conservative party.
Boris is expected to address the public later on Thursday. He plans to remain in the position for a few more months.
Keir Starmer, leader of the opposing Labour Party, welcomed the resignation and called for a “proper change of government” and a “fresh start” for Britain, without a Tory in charge.
After a series of scandals since he took office, Johnson faced mass criticism this week for appointing an MP who was accused of sexual misconduct.
The controversy led to several resignations among the conservatives’ ranks, with significant figures like Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Health Minister Sajid Javid citing a lack of integrity from the government for their resignations.
Other criticisms of Johnson cited him breaking lockdown rules during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as initiating an unnecessary, expensive redesign of his Downing Street flat. He survived a confidence vote in June, however, despite more than 40% of MPs voting against him.
Boris Johnson has long been a controversial figure in British politics, especially in his role as the prominent figure in the controversial Brexit campaign to leave the EU in 2016.
Many believe that Johnson’s numerous scandals would have irrevocably harmed any other politician, but for the conservative politician, his blunders became part of his brand.
“In an age of boring, machine-like politicians, he was seen as a ‘character,’” the BBC’s Brian Wheeler writed. “His unruly mop of blond hair and bumbling persona instantly recognisable even to those with no interest in politics.”
Boris Johnson previously served as mayor of London for two terms, from 2008 to 2016, before becoming a prominent figure in the Conservative party and assuming the position of Prime Minister in 2019.
