UK: Boris Johnson Announces Resignation as PM

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    Image copyright: PA Media [via the BBC]

    The Facts

    • Boris Johnson has announced his resignation as UK Prime Minister, stating that, in politics, "no one is remotely indispensable," and saying he will continue to serve in the post until a new leader is in place.

    • The PM has faced turmoil in recent days as over 50 Tory MPs have resigned in protest against his leadership in the past 48 hrs.

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    The Spin

    Left narrative

    Johnson's leadership has given way to scandal-after-scandal. He insulted the electorate by flaunting the lockdown rules he imposed on the rest of the country and even promoted Pincher to a position of authority over party members in the full knowledge that he faced allegations of misconduct. His continued leadership would inevitably come at the cost of the integrity of British politics - it's only right that he has been forced to resign.

    Washington Post

    Right narrative

    Boris Johnson will likely be remembered as a hero by conservatives for his resounding defeat of Jeremy Corbyn as well as his success at progressing and achieving Brexit. However, he made countless flawed decisions and failed to provide a vision at key moments in his premiership, such as over COVID lockdowns and Partygate. He has provided better policy than the opposition, but the Conservative Party must get rid of its leader if they want to feel pride in their role in politics.

    Spectator (UK)

    Metaculus Prediction

    Political split

    LEFT

    RIGHT

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