Boris Johnson drops out of race for Downing Street

Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Sunday evening that he would give up running for the Downing Street campaign, strengthening the chances of big favorite Rishi Sunak to succeed, barring a new twist, Liz Truss.

« Over the past few days, I’ve unfortunately come to the conclusion that it just wouldn’t be the right thing to do. You cannot govern effectively if you do not have a united party in parliament,” he said in a statement.

Boris Johnson, who had resigned in July, swept away by a succession of scandals, had returned from his vacation in the Dominican Republic on Saturday, reinforcing the hypothesis of a candidacy.

But he had not officially announced that he would run for this campaign, which is being held following the resignation of Liz Truss on Thursday after only 44 days in office.

In his statement, Boris Johnson says he had obtained 102 sponsorships from Conservative MPs, more than the 100 needed to continue the campaign.

He explains that he contacted the two declared candidates, Rishi Sunak whom he saw on Saturday evening, and also Penny Mordaunt. “I hoped that we could come together in the national interest but unfortunately we have not been able to find a way to do so,” he wrote.

« Therefore, I’m afraid the best thing is to not pursue » this race and « support » whoever wins. « I believe I have a lot to offer, but I’m afraid it’s just not the right time, » he wrote again.

“I believe that I am well placed to ensure a Conservative victory in 2024”, also writes Boris Johnson in this press release, referring to the legislative elections which must take place in two years.

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