Speculation is mounting that
Boris Johnson ‘will quit today’ with several reports suggesting a resignation letter has been drafted.
The BBC’s political editor Chris Mason says the embattled prime minister has finally agreed to go after
another torrid morning that saw several cabinet ministers quit.
No 10 has not confirmed the reports, but the PM is expected to make a statement within hours.
It is understood he will plough on with the top job until a new party leader is chosen over summer.
It marks a huge turn of events after Mr Johnson vowed to stay on yesterday, saying quitting would ‘not be responsible’ because of the huge mandate he won at the 2019 General Election.
He refused to go even after a
delegation of cabinet allies marched into his office saying the game is up and they no longer support him.
Mr Johnson lashed out last night by sacking ‘treacherous’ Cabinet rival Michael Gove and pledging to ‘outline a new economic programme of tax cuts, deregulation and the benefits of Brexit’.
But this morning he was hit with another raft of resignations, including new Education Secretary Michelle Donelan,
who was only appointed two days ago.
Even newly appointed Chancellor
Nadhim Zahawi turned on him,
writing a blistering letter saying he should ‘leave with dignity’.
The extraordinary statement said the country ‘deserves a government that is not only stable, but which acts with integrity’.
The prime minister’s resignation is expected to come before lunch time, according to the BBC.
A No 10 source said Mr Johnson spoke to Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the Conservative 1922 Committee, to inform him of his decision.
‘The Prime Minister has spoken to Graham Brady and agreed to stand down in time for a new leader to be in place by the conference,’ they said.