(MENAFN- Trend News Agency)
The Attorney General and former health secretary Matt Hancock
have both called for Boris Johnson to step down, Trend reports citing
ITV .
Suella Braverman told ITV's Peston there was currently 'an
overwhelming sense of despair among Conservative MPs,' adding: 'The
time has come for the Prime Minister to step down'.
Ms Braverman said it was 'untenable' for Mr Johnson to continue
as leader - and signalled her own intention to run in a future
contest.
The Cabinet minister, who has previously been a staunch
supporter of the PM, said he had handled matters“appallingly” in
recent days.
'The balance has tipped now in favour of saying that the Prime
Minister – it pains me to say it – but it's time to go.'
Also speaking to ITV's Peston Matt Hancock, a former health
secretary in Mr Johnson's government, said the PM should 'of
course' stand down.
'Sadly he's lost the support of his cabinet, many, many of his
ministers and the parliamentary party... it's come to the point
where he needs to resign,' Mr Hancock said.
Meanwhile Ms Braverman, MP for Fareham, also told ITV's Peston
she would put her name into the ring in any future leadership
contest.
'If there is a leadership contest, I will put my name into the
ring,' Ms Braverman said.
'I love this country, my parents came here with absolutely
nothing and it was Britain that gave them hope, security and
opportunity. This country has afforded me incredible opportunities
in education and in my career. I owe a debt of gratitude to this
country and to serve as PM would be the greatest honour, so yes, I
will try.'
Mr Hancock said he would not be standing in a future leadership
election, but said: 'I do care deeply about what happens next'
adding he'd be 'happy' to serve in government.
The PM has faced more than 40 resignations from his government
as of Wednesday night, but supporters told ITV News Mr Johnson was
still in 'quite a buoyant mood' and was 'up for a fight'.
Ms Braverman said she would not be resigning from her role,
despite calling for the PM to go, as she said she has a 'duty' to
continue.
'I don't want to resign because I have that duty and we need an
Attorney in government,' she said.
'My first duty is to the country... we're in a crisis and I have
statutory, legal and constitutional duties,' Ms Braverman told
ITV's Peston. 'We need an attorney in government,' she said.
Quizzed on there being a 'good chance' the PM would now ask her
to resign, Ms Braverman said: 'That is his choice and I will do
whatever the PM asks me to do'.
A reshuffle was underway in Number 10 on Wednesday night as the
PM looked to fill the vacancies in his cabinet left by
resignations.
MENAFN06072022000187011040ID1104490430
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.