Boris Johnson has been dubbed a political ‘titan’ by loyal Conservative MPs after revealing a shock decision to leave the House of Commons over a party gate inquiry.
Supporters of the former prime minister took to Twitter to praise Mr Johnson and point to his delivery of Brexit and support for Ukraine after Russia’s full-scale invasion.
There were also comments echoing Mr Johnson’s comment in his farewell statement that he would only be leaving Parliament “for the time being”, with one Tory MP saying this was not “the end”.
The news came out late on Friday night when Mr Johnson made a lengthy statement announcing he would step down as MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip.
It came just after Mr Johnson was given the first draft of the Commons Privileges Committee report into whether he had misled MPs in denying events that broke the Downing Street lockdown.
Had a suspension of the Commons of 10 days or more been recommended by the committee and approved by MPs, Mr Johnson would face a by-election.
Priti Patel
Former Home Secretary Priti Patel told the Telegraph: “Boris Johnson has served our country and his constituency with distinction.
“He led the world in supporting Ukraine and defending our values, he got Brexit done and he secured successes for the Conservative Party not seen since Margaret Thatcher.
“Boris is a political titan whose legacy will stand the test of time.”
Sir James Duddridge
One of Mr Johnson’s most loyal supporters of Tory MP tweeted: “History will recognize the great work Boris has done on Brexit, Ukraine and covid. He is a titan among minnows. This is the conclusion of a chapter, not the end of the book. We will hear more about Boris in the coming days, months and years.”
Angela Rayner
The deputy leader of Labor and shadow chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster said: “The British public is sick to death of this endless Tory soap opera played at their expense.
“After thirteen years of conservative chaos, enough is enough.
It’s time to turn the page on a fresh start for Britain with a Labor government focused on people’s priorities to tackle the cost of living crisis and build a brighter future .”
John McDonnel
The MP for Hayes and Harlington and former Shadow Chancellor tweeted: “Tidy is tidy”.
Mhairi Black
The SNP’s deputy Westminster leader said Boris Johnson “jumped before being pushed”.
Mhairi Black, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South, said on Friday: “Boris Johnson jumped before he was pushed, and no one in Scotland will regret seeing him, but he has also underlined the weakness of Rishi Sunak, who has no say about the bitterly divided Tory party.
“Sunak is utterly humiliated. On the day he had to accept Johnson’s dodgy honor roll to bolster his position, his predecessor held up two fingers to him and reminded everyone that Sunak was unable to take action for fear of a leadership challenge.
“This vicious Tory scandal is yet another reminder of how broken and corrupt the Westminster system is – and why it is essential for Scotland to become an independent country so that we can escape Westminster’s control and be rid of the unelected Tory for good. governments can come off.”
Sadiq Khan
Hours after the Prime Minister sent Boris Johnson’s comrades to the Lords, he resigns after a serious breach of parliamentary rules. This government is more than a joke.”
Mark Jenkinson
Conservative MP for Workington: “Very sad tonight when we lose a political giant of the Commons, a man who will go down in the history books as one of the greatest political leaders of my life
Against all odds – a Conservative majority of 80 seats, Workington Man evicted to vote for me and secured Brexit. Boris Johnson has his place in the hero gallery.
“When the witch hunt is forgotten, future generations will look back in amazement. Brexit and covid have driven the country crazy.”
Eddie Hughes
The Conservative MP for Walsall North tweeted:
