In a statement shared with multiple media outlets, Johnson says that despite having enough support from MPs to run, he has come to the conclusion that it’s not the right thing to do because ‘you can’t govern effectively unless you have a united party behind you in Parliament”.
Over the weekend, Johnson reportedly tried to strike deals with the other two leadership contenders, Rishi Sunak and Penny Mordaunt, but were unsuccessful.
– I’m afraid the best thing to do is not to authorize my nomination and support whoever wins, Johnson reportedly wrote in a group message on WhatsApp.
– I think I have a lot to give, but I’m afraid it’s not the time, he would also have said.
Johnson resigned as prime minister six weeks ago. After Liz Truss left on Thursday, however, there were forces in the party that wanted him back.
It is up to the Conservative Party’s parliamentary representatives to nominate candidates for the new leader, and so far Sunak has received the most votes.
The support of at least 100 Conservative parliamentarians is necessary to be able to stand as a candidate. It is Sunak who is currently leading the fight as 140 parliamentarians give him their support, according to the report Sky News preview.
Johnson has received 59 nominations to date and Mordaunt has 24.
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