As Cabinet Members Depart, Calls for Johnson’s Resignation Intensify
LONDON: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is fighting to retain his position as of Thursday (Jul 7), despite facing over 50 resignations from his government, including that of newly appointed UK Education Minister Michelle Donelan.
Donelan stepped down just 48 hours after taking office, stating it was the only way to compel Johnson to resign. In her resignation letter, she expressed her frustration, saying, “I see no way that you can continue in post, but without a formal mechanism to remove you, it seems the only way is for those of us who remain in Cabinet to force your hand.” She mentioned that she had “pleaded” with Johnson to resign, emphasizing, “You have put us in an impossible situation… as someone who values integrity above all else, I have no choice.”
Northern Ireland Minister Brandon Lewis also resigned on Thursday, declaring in a letter posted on Twitter that Johnson was “past the point of no return.” Newly appointed Finance Minister Nadhim Zahawi urged Johnson to step down, warning that the ongoing crisis would only escalate. “This is not sustainable, and it will only get worse—for you, for the Conservative Party, and most importantly, for the country,” Zahawi tweeted, suggesting Johnson should “do the right thing and go now.”
Zahawi did not formally announce his resignation but conveyed that he, along with Cabinet colleagues, had urged Johnson to “leave with dignity.” He expressed disappointment that Johnson hadn’t listened, stating, “The country deserves a government that is stable and acts with integrity.”
In response to the mounting pressure, Johnson defiantly dismissed calls to resign, sacking minister and former ally Michael Gove, who had been the first to suggest that Johnson resign for the benefit of the party and the nation. A source close to Johnson referred to Gove as “a snake,” highlighting the deteriorating relationships within the Cabinet.
Allies of Johnson insisted he would “fight on,” with his parliamentary private secretary, James Duddridge, stating Johnson was in a “buoyant mood.” However, Thursday morning’s newspaper headlines painted a grim picture of the beleaguered leader’s position, with the Daily Express describing Johnson’s “last stand” and The Times reporting he was “fighting for his life.”
NO FUNCTIONING GOVERNMENT
The crisis was ignited by the shocking resignations of Finance Chief Rishi Sunak and Health Secretary Sajid Javid, who stepped down after Johnson publicly apologized for appointing Chris Pincher as deputy chief whip, despite prior allegations of misconduct. Johnson’s shifting explanations regarding Pincher’s resignation further fueled dissatisfaction within his party.
Critics among the Conservative ranks argued that the Pincher affair pushed many members to their breaking point, leading to an overwhelming sense of disillusionment with Johnson’s leadership. When Johnson returned to Downing Street from a parliamentary committee session, he faced a delegation of Cabinet members, including hardline Interior Minister Priti Patel and Zahawi.
By Wednesday evening, another Cabinet member, Welsh Secretary Simon Hart, had also resigned. Camilla Cavendish, former head of Downing Street’s Policy Unit, stated on the BBC that the UK no longer had “a functioning government.”
Calls for Johnson’s resignation continued late into the evening. Attorney General Suella Braverman, while not resigning herself, acknowledged that “the balance has tipped in favor of saying… it’s time to go.”
A CULTURE OF SCANDAL
Johnson’s tenure has been marred by scandal, including the infamous “Partygate” incidents, where he received a police fine for breaching COVID-19 lockdown regulations. He is currently facing a parliamentary investigation into whether he misled MPs about the events surrounding those parties.
Only a month ago, Johnson narrowly survived a no-confidence vote among Conservative MPs, which typically prevents another challenge for a year. However, the influential “1922 Committee” of non-ministerial Tory MPs is reportedly looking to change the rules, with plans to elect a new executive committee next week.
Johnson’s refusal to resign suggests he may soon face another confidence vote, although he has been evasive about the possibility of calling a general election. Vernon Bogdanor, a professor at King’s College, noted that if Johnson’s party or Cabinet members oppose a general election, it may not be feasible for him to initiate one.
In parliament on Wednesday, Johnson insisted that the country required “stable government” and called for unity within the Conservative Party. However, Javid urged his fellow ministers to resign, stating, “The problem starts at the top, and I believe that is not going to change.” The House of Commons echoed with cries of “bye, Boris” as Javid concluded his speech.
