Boris Johnson out of Tory race for UK PM
The former mayor of London, Boris Johnson, announces his decision to withdraw his candidacy for a Conservative leadership contest to become the next British prime minister.
Johnson said Thursday that he will not stand to succeed Prime Minister David Cameron after the UK’s ‘Brexit’ vote to leave the European Union (EU).
The former mayor, who campaigned fervently for Brexit, said in a speech in the British capital that "having consulted colleagues and in view of the circumstances in parliament, I've concluded that person cannot be me."
Johnson was the leading supporter of leaving the EU and will reportedly place Brexit as the heart of his “optimistic vision” for Britain. He said Brexit will be an opportunity to "believe in ourselves and the values of our country.”
The announcement followed a bid by Justice Secretary Michael Gove to run for the next Conservative Party leader and prime minister.
Gove said he was standing as "Boris cannot provide the leadership or build the team for the task ahead."
This is while, UK Home Secretary Theresa May, who campaigned against the Brexit, is set to present herself as the unity candidate to bring the divided ruling Tory party and the country back together following Britain’s recent vote to exit the EU.
"Following last week's referendum, our country needs strong, proven leadership to steer us through this period of economic and political uncertainty, and to negotiate the best possible terms as we leave the European Union," she told the Times.
Work and Pensions Secretary Stephen Crabb and former Tory minister Liam Fox are also expected to join the leadership race.
The outcome of the Tory leadership contest will be announced on September 9.
The race came after Prime Minister David Cameron announced his resignation a day after the British voted in the referendum over the country’s membership in the EU. Cameron has been leading the Conservative party for 10 years and has been the British Prime Minister since May 2010.
The UK must invoke Article 50 of the EU Lisbon Treaty in order to set out a two-year timetable for negotiations on withdrawal. Cameron said it is up for the next government to activate Article 50 and begin formal talks for the country’s exit from the bloc.
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