Boris Johnson bids farewell to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom with a final speech. He addressed party members and relatives in front of his former official residence in Downing Street. On Tuesday afternoon, Johnson will succeed fellow party member Liz Truss.
Outgoing Johnson compared his three years as prime minister to “a missile that has now completed its duties”.
He once again noted his greatest successes as prime minister: arranging Britain’s exit from the European Union, the coronavirus vaccination campaign, and arms deliveries to Ukraine.
“Now I’m re-entering the atmosphere like a rocket to land undetected in some corner of the Pacific,” Johnson said.
Johnson is now flying to Queen Elizabeth
Johnson also reiterated his confidence in Truss. He believes it can guide the UK through the current energy crisis and the so-called cost of living crisis. According to Johnson, his countrymen must unite and rally behind Truss.
After the speech, Johnson traveled to Scotland, where he tendered his resignation to Queen Elizabeth. Usually something like this happens at Buckingham Palace, but due to “mobility issues” from the 96-year-old Queen, Johnson and Truss travel to Balmoral Castle.
Following Johnson’s resignation, the Queen will ask Truss to become the new prime minister. Later in the day, Truss will give her first speech as Prime Minister in London, also in front of the official residence at 10 Downing Street.