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Johnson says he will remain as prime minster until the party leader is elected. However opposition party leaders including Labor Party leader Keir Starmer has called on him to quit as PM too.
The Conservative Party will elect a new leader before October. Many members also want Johnson to resign as PM arguing that his clinging to power may hurt the party's chances next general election. He has faced criticism for his liberal and green energy policies which are contrary to his party's conservative bent
The PM was met with cheers from family and staff as he made his resignation speech outside No 10.
Johnson said he had tried to persuade colleagues it would be "eccentric" to change leader and blamed the "herd instinct" in Westminster for his exit. He said a timetable for a leadership contest would be announced next week
WATCH Boris Johnson's remarks announcing his resignation as Conservative Party Leader