As it happened: Boris Johnson resigns
Updates from the day when Mr Johnson quit as Tory leader, but pledged to stay on as PM until his successor is elected
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• Key updates
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Johnson staying boosts Putin, says York MP
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Boris Johnson: ‘I will serve as PM until a new Tory leader is in place’
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A live feed from Downing Street
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York MP Julian Sturdy: ‘Leave Downing Street this week, Prime Minister’
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New Education Secretary appointed – after predecessor lasted 35 hours
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‘Bring it on!’ York Labour’s Pete Kilbane wants an election now
The lectern is in place…
Not long now. The Prime Ministerial lectern has been put in place outside 10 Downing Street.
The expectation is that Boris Johnson will say he’s stepping down as Conservative leader but stay as PM while a new leader is put in place.
York Liberal Democrats: ‘PM has abused the trust and patience of the British people’
Carol Runciman, York’s executive member for health and adult social care, has been speaking on behalf of the city’s Liberal Democrats.
This is what she said:
It is good news that Boris Johnson has finally accepted that it is time for him to go for the sake of our country. Johnson may be going but his legacy will leave a stain on the Conservative Party that can’t be removed. The public won’t forget that Conservative MPs have for years backed and defended him, supported his divisive agenda and failed to tackle the urgent problems facing our country.
The events of the last few months will leave a lasting mark on our democracy and history. The outgoing PM has abused the trust and patience of the British people, attacked our democratic institutions and tarnished our international reputation.
At this time of unprecedented national and international crisis, the unacceptable and ridiculous political theatre that has taken place during Johnson’s premiership will be remembered as a highly alarming episode in our country’s history.
It would be thoroughly unacceptable for him to stay in No 10 a minute longer. He must leave now and let whoever is left in this shambolic Government try to focus on many of the major issues facing our country.
Statement expected from Boris Johnson imminently
Boris Johnson’s statement is expected at around 12.30pm.
He is expected to address the nation from a lectern in front of Downing Street.
York MP Julian Sturdy: ‘Leave Downing Street this week, Prime Minister’
York Outer MP Julian Sturdy has never been a fan of Boris Johnson, and has been an outspoken critic of the PM for much of his tenure.
Unsurprisingly, he has welcomed Mr Johnson’s decision to resign – and is urging him not to hang about.
This is his statement today:
I am relieved the Prime Minister has accepted that the only way to bring stability to Government is his resignation.
It is the best decision for the country, and we can now begin the process of rebuilding public trust and refocusing on the major challenges facing the country.
Given these pressures, I would urge the Prime Minister to leave Downing Street this week, allowing his Deputy Prime Minister to lead Government while the Conservative Party leadership election takes place.
New Education Secretary appointed – after predecessor lasted 35 hours
Downing Street has been appointing new ministers in the wake of news that Boris Johnson was to quit as PM.
Greg Clark is the new Levelling Up Secretary, replacing Michael Gove who was sacked as one of Johnson’s final decisions.
James Cleverly has been appointed Education Secretary. He replaces Michelle Donelan, who herself was only appointed on Tuesday to replace Nadhim Zahawi when be became chancellor.
That means she lasted about 35 hours in the job.
And Kit Malthouse is the new Chancellor for the Duchy of Lancaster, the most senior minister in the Cabinet Office after the Prime Minister.
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