British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, facing widespread defections in his Conservative government, said Thursday he is resigning as the party leader but will stay as the caretaker prime minister until a new party chief is elected.
Johnson said it is "clearly the will" of his Conservative Party that there should be a new leader. Johnson also said that in the meantime he would remain as the country’s leader, although critics said he should be ousted as soon as possible.
His announcement came after about 50 government officials, including several senior Cabinet ministers, resigned amid calls for Johnson to step down
It wasn't immediately clear when Johnson would leave office. His resignation will lead to an internal election within the Conservative Party to pick a new leader, who will also be the next prime minister. The process, however, could take weeks, with several party members already eyeing the top spot.
Johnson had clung to power for two days, defiantly rebuffing calls for his resignation. He told lawmakers on Wednesday that he had a "colossal mandate" from voters to stay in office.
He was forced to concede Thursday morning after two more members of his Cabinet quit and one of his closest allies, Treasury Chief Nadhim Zahawi, publicly told him to resign for the good of the country.
(News from VOA)
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