Prime Minister Boris Johnson resigns

Mr Johnson had vowed to stay in post yesterday despite many leading Conservatives insisting his position was untenable after a series of scandals, including ‘partygate’ and the fall-out from accusations against his deputy chief whip, Chris Pincher.

The final straw came this morning with the resignation of the Chancellor, Nadhim Zahavi, just a couple of days after he was appointed when Rishi Sunak quit the post.

The Prime Minister confirmed he was quitting in a speech outside 10 Downing Street at 12.30pm but he may stay in post until at least October.

A leadership contest for the Tory party is set to be held in the summer.

Melton MP, Alicia Kearns, lost confidence in Mr Johnson as Prime Minister in January and said earlier today on social media that it was ‘deeply disappointing’ he hadn’t yet resigned.