Following news that both Sajid Javid and Rishi Sunak have resigned, has Boris Johnson stood down as Prime Minister?
Before Sunak departed as Chancellor of the Exchequer on Tuesday, Sajid Javid resigned as Health Secretary in letters to the PM.
The resignations came as Boris Johnson has been forced into a humiliating apology over his handling of the Chris Pincher row after it emerged he had forgotten about being told of previous allegations of “inappropriate” conduct.
Mr Pincher quit as deputy chief whip last week following claims that he groped two men at a private members’ club.
Has Boris Johnson resigned?
Boris Johnson has now commented on both of the senior cabinet resignations.
The Prime Minister was scrutinised in PMQs on Wednesday where he insisted that he was going to "hang on" to his position in Number 10.
You can see the full list of MPs who have resigned under Boris Johnson so far in our explainer.
Mr Johnson survived a no-confidence vote on June 6 meaning he didn’t get ousted as PM and as a result, he cannot be challenged again for 12 months.
However, there have been reports that "several" letters of no confidence were submitted to the 1922 Committee on Tuesday alone which could lead to a second no confidence vote.
The 1922 committee are meeting on Wednesday afternoon where members will be able to vote to change this rule and trigger a second no confidence vote.
This would require enough MPs to re-submit their no confidence votes.
Next Conservative Party Leader odds to replace Boris Johnson
These are the current front runners that could replace the Prime Minister if he resigns or the 1922 committee change the rules leading to a second no-confidence vote:
- Rishi Sunak 4/1
- Penny Moradaunt 4/1
- Liz Truss 8/1
- Ben Wallace 7/1
- Sajid Javid 9/1
- Tom Tugendhat 10/1
Sam Boswell of BetVictor has given the latest on their next Conservative leader market
“What a difference a day makes. Previously Boris Johnson was expected to survive this scandal as he has done with all the others. Last night senior cabinet members, Rishi Sunak and Sajid Javid, resigned. This has further weakened Boris Johnson's political power, with traders predicting Johnson may resign by the end of the year at 1/8.
Sunak's odds of becoming the next party leader have been cut to 4/1. Sunak had a challenging last six months with stories about both him and the cost of living dominating the headlines. Turning his back on Johnson could win Sunak some favour within his party. Sunak ties with Penny Moradaunt at 4/1. While Moradaunt has not resigned, she remains popular within the party and recently topped a YouGov poll of Tory party members."
MP Resignations under Boris Johnson
The public rightly expect government to be conducted properly, competently and seriously.
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) July 5, 2022
I recognise this may be my last ministerial job, but I believe these standards are worth fighting for and that is why I am resigning.
My letter to the Prime Minister below. pic.twitter.com/vZ1APB1ik1
In a letter to the PM, Javid wrote: "It is clear to me that this situation will not change under your leadership – and you have therefore lost my confidence too”.
In Sunak's own resignation, the Chancellor said: “I recognise this may be my last ministerial job, but I believe these standards are worth fighting for and that is why I am resigning.”
More Cabinet ministers will resign and the Prime Minister will be shown the door, Conservative MP Andrew Bridgen has said.
Speaking to the PA news agency, the MP for North West Leicestershire said: “I guess they (Rishi Sunak and Sajid Javid) finally got where much of the party got weeks if not months ago, that we just can’t carry on like this. What a shambles. It has been a shambles.”
When asked what he thinks prompted Mr Javid and Mr Sunak to resign, Mr Bridgen said: “The Pincher situation and the Prime Minister shown to have been lying again.”
On whether he thinks Boris Johnson will resign, the Tory MP said “he will be shown the door” and claimed more Cabinet ministers will resign.
Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab and Home Secretary Priti Patel are not expected to quit.
A source close to Mr Raab said he was “loyal” to Mr Johnson, while an ally of Ms Patel said “she’s staying”.
More Cabinet ministers will resign and the Prime Minister will be shown the door, Conservative MP Andrew Bridgen has said.
Speaking to the PA news agency, the MP for North West Leicestershire said: “I guess they (Rishi Sunak and Sajid Javid) finally got where much of the party got weeks if not months ago, that we just can’t carry on like this. What a shambles. It has been a shambles.”
When asked what he thinks prompted Mr Javid and Mr Sunak to resign, Mr Bridgen said: “The Pincher situation and the Prime Minister shown to have been lying again.”
On whether he thinks Boris Johnson will resign, the Tory MP said “he will be shown the door” and claimed more Cabinet ministers will resign.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel