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Topics: Boris Johnson, Politics
Claire Reid
Boris Johnson is resigning as prime minister.
The decision came after more than 50 Tory MPs resigned over the last few days, including Rishi Sunak and Sajid Javid.
Johnson is expected to make a statement later today (Thursday 7 July).
His resignation comes after it was confirmed that Johnson was previously made aware of an investigation into inappropriate behaviour from Conservative MP Chris Pincher back in 2019.
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Pincher resigned last week after he was accused of groping two men, and on Monday it emerged that he had previously been investigated over his conduct three years back.
Number 10 had initially denied that Johnson knew about the claims, but a spokesperson confirmed yesterday that Johnson had been briefed on the complaint in 2019.
The spokesperson added: "I would add a caveat at least that this was related to a conversation, and what I believe to have been a brief conversation, that took place around three years ago."
Earlier in the week, Johnson apologised for appointing Chris Pincher deputy chief whip, saying it ‘was a mistake’ and admitted that ‘in hindsight the wrong thing to do’.
He said: "The complaint was cleared up, he apologised. It was raised with me, I was briefed on what had happened and if I had my time again I'd think back on it and I'd realise he wasn't going to learn a lesson and he wasn't going to change."
Johnson’s resignation comes after Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak and Health Secretary Sajid Javid also announced their resignations.
The high-profile resignations piled pressure on the prime minister - shortly after the news broke Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer told journalists he believed Johnson should resign, while Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey tweeted: “A House of Cards built on lies and deceit comes crashing down. Go and go now. You have discredited our great country long enough.”
Posting on Twitter, Sunak stated: "The public rightly expect government to be conducted properly, competently and seriously.
"I recognise this may be my last ministerial job, but I believe these standards are worth fighting for and that is why I am resigning."
While Javid also shared his letter of resignation on Twitter, alongside the caption: "I have spoken to the Prime Minister to tender my resignation as Secretary of State for Health & Social Care.
"It has been an enormous privilege to serve in this role, but I regret that I can no longer continue in good conscience."
Johnson, who was previously the Mayor of London, assumed office in July 2019, leading the country throughout the coronavirus pandemic.