"This is it, folks," Boris Johnson said as he bid farewell as British Prime Minister on Tuesday, before formally handing in his resignation to Queen Elizabeth II, the UK's head of state, at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.
In a statement before the official residence at 10 Downing Street, Johnson highlighted Brexit, the launch of the covid-19 vaccination program and support for Ukraine after the Russian invasion of the country among his achievements.
Before the lectern installed in front of the famous black door of Downing Street, Johnson offered his "fervent" support to the Government of his successor, Liz Truss, during the "hard" moment that British homes are going through due to the rise in prices of energy. Acting Prime Minister Boris Johnson vindicated the achievements of his mandate and congratulated Liz Truss, who will take office tomorrow, Wednesday, and of whom he said that she has "the right plan."
"Congratulations to Liz Truss on her decisive victory. I know she has the right plan to address the cost of living crisis, to unite our party and unite our country. It is time for all conservatives to stand behind her by one hundred percent," Johnson wrote on his Twitter account.
"That's it folks. Thank you all for coming so early this morning. In just a couple of hours I'll be at Balmoral to see Her Majesty the Queen and the torch will finally be passed to a new Conservative leader." of the government.
In his brief speech, surrounded by his fellow ranks and his wife, Carrie Johnson, the conservative politician stressed that the United Kingdom "achieved Brexit" and the "fastest in Europe" vaccination program was launched.
"Never forget that 70% of the entire population received a dose in six months, faster than any comparable country. That's government. That's this Conservative government," he said.
"Most of all, thanks to you, to the British people, to the voters, for giving me the opportunity to serve, to all of you who worked together so tirelessly to beat covid," he said.
"Together, we have laid a foundation that will stand the test of time, whether it is by regaining control of our laws or installing vital new infrastructure, a great solid masonry on which we will continue to build together, paving the way to prosperity now and for generations to come." future," Johnson stressed.
After the speech, Johnson personally greeted his closest colleagues and left Downing Street by car to fly to Scotland.
Elizabeth II was initially scheduled to travel to London for the transfer of power, but Buckingham Palace, the residence of the royal family, recently announced the change in plans, due, according to the media, to the queen's mobility problems.
Johnson resigned in July due to the rebellion of members of his government in protest at his management and due to several scandals that dotted his Executive, such as the parties in Downing Street when there were strong restrictions due to the pandemic.
After the formal resignation, Elizabeth II will call Liz Truss, still Foreign Minister, to ask her to form a Government.
Once the rigorous constitutional act has been completed, the new head of government will travel to London to appoint the members of her Executive at the Downing Street residence.
