Boris Johnson drops out of race to be next UK PM – POLITICO
LONDON — Boris Johnson has given up his bid to return to the post of British prime minister, saying it was “not the right time” for him to make another bid for Downing Street.
Despite returning home from a vacation in the Caribbean to gauge support for a leadership race after Liz Truss’ shock resignation, Johnson said in a statement on Sunday evening that he would not be running to succeed him. .
That leaves his fierce rival and former chancellor Rishi Sunak in pole position to take over as UK prime minister this week, although third-placed Penny Mordaunt may now see a surge in support.
Johnson said: ‘Over the past few days I have been overwhelmed by the number of people who have suggested I should again challenge the leadership of the Conservative Party, both among the public and among friends and colleagues in Parliament .
“I was drawn in because I led our party to a massive election victory less than three years ago – and so I think I’m uniquely positioned to avoid a general election now. A general election would be another disastrous distraction, just when the government must focus on the economic pressures facing families across the country. »
Johnson claimed he had the number of Tory MP nominations needed to make the ballot before Monday’s deadline, and was confident he would win the party’s grassroots support in the membership ballot that would have followed.
But he added: « Over the last few days I have unfortunately come to the conclusion that it just wouldn’t be the right thing to do. You can only govern effectively if you have a united party in Parliament. And although I reached out to both Rishi and Penny – because I hoped we could come together in the national interest – we were unfortunately unable to find a way to do so. Therefore, I’m afraid the best thing is not to allow my nomination to go ahead and pledge my support to whoever succeeds.
He concluded: « I believe I have a lot to offer, but I’m afraid it’s just not the right time. »
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