Beleaguered Boris Johnson will today resign as Prime Minister after years of scandals, gaffes and rule-breaking behaviour.
The Tory party leader will stand down officially two days after his Cabinet ministers Sajid Javid and Rishi Sunak triggered a brutal slew of resignations when they told him they were standing down because they had lost their faith in his leadership.
Mr Johnson, who became the first prime minister in office to face police action when he was fined for taking part in a gathering during strict Covid lockdown, has been clinging to power despite more than 50 resignations from his own party.
His previously loyal MPs turned on him after it emerged Johnson had appointed Chris Pincher as deputy chief whip after allegations of inappropriate behaviour were made against him.
What time is Boris Johnson's resignation announcement?
Boris Johnson is expected to make a speech to the nation tendering his resignation at 12.30pm today (July 7).
The Mirror's political editor Pippa Crerar reported that his statement was being redrafted less than an hour before his televised appearance, which will take place outside No.10.
"Downing Street sources suggest Boris Johnson is currently tweaking his resignation statement. Some concern he may not actually read out what was prepared," she tweeted.
Johnson's letter of resignation is also being written and will be shared publicly.
In it he will outline why it has become untenable for him to remain in charge of the country.
You can watch Johnson's resignation speech live on BBC News.
However, a new prime minister will not be appointed immediately.
Former PM Theresa May could end up as 'caretaker prime minister' to run the country while the Conservative choose a new leader.
The process takes a couple of months to complete.
When is the next general election?
The next election hasn't yet been scheduled, but currently cannot take place any later than January 2025.
There is no law to say a new prime minister must call an election, but some choose to to ensure they have a personal mandate to rule.
There are fears Johnson will try to stay on in No.10 until the autumn when his replacement has been picked, but Labour leader Keir Starmer has threatened to table a motion of no-confidence in him if he tries to cling on.
