Boris Johnson, former prime minister of the United Kingdom
(UK), says he will not be making a comeback to his former seat.
There were speculations of Johnson’s intent to replace Liz
Truss who resigned after a turbulent 45 days in office.
She had replaced Johnson who was forced out of office in
July following a series of scandals.
In the wake of Truss’ resignation, Johnson had reportedly
undertaken consultations to see if he has support to return.
To fend off other contenders, he would need to secure 100
nominations from Conservative lawmakers by Monday.
A few Conservative lawmakers, including James Duddridge and
Marco Longhi, publicly expressed their support for the former prime minister.
However, in a statement on Sunday, Johnson withdrew his
interest, saying he has enough support but has decided it is not the right
thing to do.
“In the last few days I have been overwhelmed by the number
of people who suggested that I should once again contest the Conservative Party
leadership, both among the public and among friends and colleagues in parliament.
I have been attracted because I led our party into a massive election victory
less than three years ago – and I believe I am therefore uniquely placed to
avert a general election now,” the statement reads.
“A general election would be a further disastrous
distraction just when the government must focus on the economic pressures faced
by families across the country. I believe I am well placed to deliver a
Conservative victory in 2024 – and tonight I can confirm that I have cleared
the very high hurdle of 102 nominations, including a proposer and a seconder,
and I could put my nomination in tomorrow.
“There is a very good chance that I would be successful in
the election with Conservative Party members – and that I could indeed be back
in Downing Street on Friday. But in the course of the last days, I have sadly
come to the conclusion that this would simply not be the right thing to do. You
can’t govern effectively unless you have a united party in parliament.
“And though I have reached out to both Rishi (Sunak) and
Penny (Mordaunt) – because I hoped that we could come together in the national
interest – we have sadly not been able to work out a way of doing this.
Therefore I am afraid the best thing is that I do not allow my nomination to go
forward and commit my support to whoever succeeds. I believe I have much to
offer but I am afraid that this is simply not the right time.”
Johnson’s withdrawal leaves the race open to Sunak, former
finance minister, and Mordaunt, leader of the House of Commons.
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