The Latest Breaking News from Boris Johnson

He claims to have reached 102 backers, although only 57 MPS had publicly declared their support for him

The SNP Westminster leader’s comments come after Boris Johnson’s dramatic withdrawal from the Tory leadership contest.

Boris Johnson on Sunday night said he had pulled out of the race to become Britain's next prime minister, saying he realised the country and the Conservative Party needed unity.

Ex-prime minister claims there was a ‘very good chance’ he could have returned to No 10

LONDON — Boris Johnson pulled out of the race to lead the U.K.’s ruling Conservative Party and the nation, leaving Rishi Sunak on the brink of becoming the next prime minister.

The former prime minister has declared that he is not standing for the Tory leadership

In a statement, he insisted he had secured the 100 nominations needed to get onto the ballot paper - and that if he stood there was a "very good chance" he would have won.

Mr Johnson said: “In the last few days I have been overwhelmed by the number of people who suggested that I should once again contest the Conservative Party leadership".

‘I have much to offer but I am afraid that this is simply not the right time,’ Boris Johnson said.

The former prime minister admitted he cannot unite the warring Conservative Party.

Former prime minister Boris Johnson pulled out of the contest to become Britain's next leader on Sunday, saying he had the support of enough lawmakers to progress to the next stage but far fewer than front-runner former finance minister Rishi Sunak.