Brexit campaigner and former
London mayor Boris Johnson prepares to leave a press conference in
central London on June 30, 2016. (AFP)
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.
British
Justice Secretary Michael Gove arrives to attend a cabinet meeting at
10 Downing Street in central London on June 27, 2016. (AFP)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.
British Interior Minister Theresa May addresses a press conference in central London on June 30, 2016. (AFP)"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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