UK political crisis live updates: Boris Johnson announces resignation from party leadership

The United States will continue its "close cooperation" with Britain including their joint support for Ukraine against Russian aggression, US President Joe Biden said Thursday, hours after Boris Johnson announced his resignation as prime minister.

"The United Kingdom and the United States are the closest of friends and allies, and the special relationship between our people remains strong and enduring," Biden said in a statement.

Johnson not first to be toppled by own party, these ex-PMs faced same fate

The departure of Boris Johnson opens a new page in relations with Britain," Michel Barnier, the former top EU negotiator for Brexit has tweeted.
 

Former British Prime Minister John Major said on Thursday (July 7) outgoing leader Boris Johnson should not remain in Downing Street until a successor is found, and must go now "for the overall wellbeing of the country".

Boris Johnson lasted just three years as British prime minister. Weakened by scandals, he refused for months to resign but on Thursday was poised to quit, forced by his colleagues.

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This leaders from the Conservative Party are among the favourites to become successor of Boris Johnson

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The British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was probably the first British PM to have a strong Indian connection. His estranged wife Marina Wheeler, whom he married in 1993, is half Indian.

Wheeler is the niece of the late editor and writer Khushwant Singh. Before they announced their separation last year after 25 years of marriage, Johnson had travelled several times to India with Marina and stayed with her cousins in Delhi and Mumbai. They have four children together.

UK PM Boris Johnson has stepped down as leader of the ruling Conservative Party.

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British PM Boris Johnson has stepped down from the leadership of the Tory party

Some of UK PM Boris Johnson's own party colleagues have called for his immediate removal. These Conservative MPs are opposed to him staying on as a Caretaker Prime Minister. 

Political developments in the UK have gained pace as PM Boris Johnson prepares to step down from the leadership of the Conservative Party. What will happen next? Will there be fresh elections?

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UK PM Boris Johnson has spoken with Queen Elizabeth 'as a courtesy', says British news media report

British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss has cut short her Indonesia trip amid political crisis unfolding back home. 

Sterling has pushed higher as markets took comfort from reports Boris Johnson will resign as prime minister.

The pound rose 0.5pc against the dollar to $1.1976, climbing off two-year lows.

The currency move reflects hopes among traders that Johnson’s departure will usher in a period of less political instability under a new leader.
 

Read full story: UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson to resign today: Report

From Rishi Sunak to Priti Patel: Who could replace UK PM Boris Johnson?

Boris Johnson will resign as Conservative leader today. He will continue as Prime Minister until the autumn, according to BBC.

A Conservative leadership race will take place this summer and a new Prime Minister will be in place in time for the Tory party conference in October.

BBC quoting sources said that Johnson spoke to Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the Conservative 1922 Committee, to inform him of his decision.

A report by BBC states that a group of cabinet ministers are about to tell UK PM Boris Johnson to resign, including the chief whip. 

Gove is one of the most senior ministers in the British government. He has told Johnson he must quit, Daily Mail reported. 

As reported by BBC, Boris did not deny media reports that Housing Secretary Michael Gove has called for him to resign. 

At least 21 British lawmakers have left Johnson's government in less than 24 hours, including finance minister Rishi Sunak, saying the British leader no longer has their confidence and plunging his government into crisis. 

The departures started late Tuesday afternoon with Health Secretary Sajid Javid quitting just after 6 o'clock (1700 GMT). Sunak's resignation letter followed just nine minutes later.

According to a report by BBC, Conor Burns, who is the Northern Ireland minister, has asked his colleagues to "calm down". He said that Tory MP's need to be very careful regarding removing a prime minister. 

As Sajid Javid gives his resignation and reads out his letter, the MP's present started to shout "Bye Bye Boris, Boris Bye Bye". Pressure on UK PM Boris Johnson to resign continues. 

The resignations continue with Home Office Minister Victoria Atkins resigning. Pressure continues to mount on Prime Minister Boris Johnson. She resigned citing PM’s “poor judgement” and lack of integrity.

Watch | A look at the most pressing issues plaguing UK

Will Quince, Minister for for children and families resigned. He have a statement that, "I have no choice but to tender my resignation".

Transport minister Laura Trott also gave resignation saying that "I am quitting over a loss of trust" in the government.

Nadhim Zahawi will replace Rishi Sunak as the new British finance minister after the latter tendered his resigning on Tuesday. 

Zahawi has previously served in various roles for the government and after his run as the vaccines minister, he was promoted to education secretary in Boris Johnson's last reshuffle. 

After two of his senior ministers quit, Boris Johnson's position as UK prime minister is now on the brink. British Finance Minister Rishi Sunak and Health Secretary Sajid Javid resigned on Tuesday in the aftermath of scandals associated with the government of Johnson. 

However, PM Boris Johnson is still fighting on for his position. According to British Media reports, "under current rules Johnson is safe from another leadership challenge until next summer. But the executive of the 1922 Committee can change the rules whenever it wants".