The former British prime minister leaves with a phrase from the Looney Tunes cartoons
“This is it, folks,” Boris Johnson said as he said goodbye as British Prime Minister on Tuesday, before formally submitting his resignation to the Queen Elizabeth II, Head of State of the United Kingdom, at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.
In a statement to the official residence of 10 Downing Street, Johnson highlighted among his achievements the Brexit, the launch of the vaccination program against covid-19 and support for Ukraine after the Russian invasion of the country.
At the lectern set up in front of Downing Street’s famous black door, Johnson offered his “fervent” support for the government of his successor, Liz Truss, during the “tough” time British households are going through due to rising energy prices.
“That’s it folks. Thank you all for coming so early this morning. In just a couple of hours I’ll be at Balmoral to see Her Majesty the Queen and the torch will finally be passed to a new Conservative leader.” of the government.
In his brief speech, surrounded by his fellow ranks and his wife, Carrie Johnsonthe conservative politician stressed that the UK “did Brexit” and the “fastest in Europe” vaccination program was launched.
“Never forget that 70% of the entire population received a dose in six months, faster than any comparable country. That’s government. That’s this Conservative government,” he said.
“Most of all, thanks to you, to the British people, to the voters, for giving me the opportunity to serve, to all of you who worked together so tirelessly to beat covid,” he said.
“Together, we have laid a foundation that will stand the test of time, whether it is by regaining control of our laws or by installing vital new infrastructure, a great solid masonry upon which we will continue to build together, paving the way to prosperity now and for generations to come.” future,” Johnson stressed.
After the speech, Johnson personally greeted his closest colleagues and abandoned downing street drive to fly to Scotland.
Elizabeth II was initially scheduled to travel to London for the transfer of power, but Buckingham Palace, the residence of the royal family, recently announced the change in plans, due, according to the media, to the queen’s mobility problems.
Johnson resigned in July over the rebellion of members of his government in protest at his management and at various scandals that dotted his Executive, such as the parties in Downing Street when there were strong restrictions due to the pandemic.
After the formal resignation, Elizabeth II will call Liz Truss, still Foreign Minister, to ask her to form a Government.
Once the rigorous constitutional act has been completed, the new head of government will travel to London to appoint the members of her Executive at the Downing Street residence.