Sajid Javid says he will ‘never risk losing integrity’ during PMQs resignation speech
Boris Johnson is set to step down as prime minister after a fatal onslaught of resignations in protest over his leadership – but worried Tories have insisted that he hand over power today.
The prime minister finally agreed to resign on Thursday morning as the slew of more than 50 resignations continued, with Michelle Donelan’s departure as education secretary just 35 hours into the role making her the fifth Cabinet minister to quit.
Mr Johnson’s new chancellor Nadhim Zahawi also publicly urged him to “do the right thing and go now”, as Suella Braverman revealed ambitions to replace him as PM while still in post as attorney general.
The dramatic collapse in support came after it emerged Mr Johnson promoted Chris Pincher to a role with responsibility for MPs’ welfare, despite knowledge of misconduct claims against him.
But departing science minister George Freeman and former chief aide Dominic Cummings were among those insisting Mr Johnson should leave Downing Street today, after a No 10 source suggested he would remain in post until a new Tory leader is elected in the autumn.
