Brexit Resignations: Johnson Follows Davis amid Cabinet Squabbling

Local Editor

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson resigned, Downing Street confirmed. Johnson’s resignation represents yet another blow to the government of British Prime Minister Theresa May, who is pushing for a soft Brexit plan that angered many Conservatives.

"This afternoon, the prime minister accepted the resignation of Boris Johnson as foreign secretary. His replacement will be announced shortly. The prime minister thanks Boris for his work,” Downing Street said in a statement.

The resignation comes after it was previously reported that he referred to selling May’s Brexit plan as “polishing a turd.”

His resignation came just a day after that of Brexit Secretary David Davis and his No. 2 at the Department for Exiting the EU, Steve Baker.

Rumors began swirling earlier on Monday that Johnson would be leaving his post, as he was holed up in his residence with his closest advisers, missing a scheduled appearance at the West Balkans summit.

May’s soft Brexit plan has led to a chaotic situation within the government, as her roadmap is a far cry from what pro-Brexit campaigners such as Johnson had initially pushed for.

Baker spoke to the BBC about his resignation on Monday, stating that he and other Conservatives were “blindsided” by May’s policy. 

Meanwhile, May's plan prompted many to call for the resignation of the prime minister, who herself opposed Britain’s exit from the European Union. Some reports are even speculating about the possibility of a no-confidence vote regarding May’s leadership of the Conservatives.

However, any such vote would be contested by May, with her spokesperson stating on Monday that she would fight any attempt to oust her from her position.

After slamming May’s plan on Sunday night, Davis said it would mean “giving too much away, too easily” to the EU, as Britain would still be made to abide by many of the bloc’s regulations. However, he stated that he was not trying to force May out of power – even though she is pursuing a “dangerous strategy” in her talks with Brussels.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team