borisjohnson insists he will carry on as prime minister despite an avalanche of resignations from government or party posts in the last 2a hours. very sadly, he has lost the trust of the public, he has lost the trust of the most of the parliamentary party and you know many of us feel let down. the facts are undeniable, he can't command the confidence of people, sufficient numbers of people to serve in his government.

i'm rebecca jones. law officials recommend that taking a photo down a woman's top without her consent — known as "downblousing" — should be made illegal in england and wales. in the us, prosecutors say the man charged with killing seven people at an independence day parade in chicago, has confessed to the mass shooting. welcome to bbc news, live from downing street.

minister, borisjohnson, as his whole party it seems is ranged agains him. in the last few minutes, nadhim zahawi, a long—time ally, who was yesterday appointed chancellor, has nowish issued a public call for the prime minister to step down. he said: my priority is miscountry this country. if people have thought poorly of me, it is criticism i'm willing to shoulder. i made it clear to the prime minister that there is only

one direction that this is going and he should leave with dignity. out of respect and in the hope he would listen to an old friend of 30 years, i kept this counsel private. i'm heart broken he hasn't listened and is undermining the incredible achievements of this government. no one will forget getting brexit done, keeping an anti—semite out of no 10. we need a government that is stable and acting with integrity. prime minister, you know in your heart what the right thing to do is and go now. nadhim zahawi, who has perhaps been examined for his judgment and can see it looks contradictory, because he agreed to step in the chancellor's role, some said that was purely for his own political advantage, because of the leadership

position is better if he is in a big job. suella braverman called for him to 90, suella braverman called for him to go, saying she would put herself forward for the leadership race. fopp forward for the leadership race. f0 - g forward for the leadership race. fo . = ., . , ., forward for the leadership race. f0n= , . . , fopp the facts are undeniable, he can't engender— fopp the facts are undeniable, he can't engender the _ fopp the facts are undeniable, he can't engender the support - fopp the facts are undeniable, he can't engender the support of - fopp the facts are undeniable, he can't engender the support of the | can't engender the support of the parliamentary party and that is why it is regrettable for us today, it is incredibly sad for us to reach

the conclusion that he must stand down. ., . �* the conclusion that he must stand down. ., ., �* ,, .,, the conclusion that he must stand down. ., ., �* , down. you haven't quit your “ob, but 50 --eole down. you haven't quit your “ob, but so people have. i down. you haven't quit your “ob, but 50 people have, do * down. you haven't quit your “ob, but 50 people have, do we _ down. you haven't quit your “ob, but 50 people have, do we have_ down. you haven't quit yourjob, but 50 people have, do we have a - 50 people have, do we have a functioning government this morning? technically, yes, we have an executive functioning organ of the state. . u, , executive functioning organ of the state. . , , ., , state. technically is an interesting choice of words. _ state. technically is an interesting choice of words. for _ state. technically is an interesting choice of words. for example, - state. technically is an interesting . choice of words. for example, myself i'm in a role — choice of words. for example, myself i'm in a role of— choice of words. for example, myself i'm in a role of constitutional- choice of words. for example, myself i'm in a role of constitutional and - i'm in a role of constitutional and legal significance, the attorney has statutory duties, has to meet legal deadlines, i am still in situ and discharging the duties and functions in any capacity as a minister. that is why i'm not resigning, my first and foremost duty is to the country and foremost duty is to the country and i want to continue to enable a functioning state as far as i can.

wasn't your duty to the country to call out boris johnson's wasn't your duty to the country to call out borisjohnson�*s behaviour months, years ago? nothing has happened in the last two days we didn't know about borisjohnson, his willingness to repeatedly say things that are not true art tell other people to see things that are not true, his willingness to sanction behaviour regarded as unacceptable, prodding people who behaved badly simply because they were loyal. there is nothing you know now that you've not always known. circumstances have dramatically changed in the past 48 hours and i've constantly supported the prime minister. at all on the junctures where there have been questions about leadership and his petition, i have weighed up the factors and up until yesterday, have weighed up the factors and up untilyesterday, it have weighed up the factors and up until yesterday, it has been the position for me, that that balance of factors has weighed in favour of

him staying in post for the national interest, to deliver on promises we have made to the british people. you said ou have made to the british people. you said you want to be the next leader of the conservative party which would mean to state the obvious, you have never run a government department, it is quite something to say it might meet prime minister during a major european war and economic crisis —— make me prime minister. i economic crisis -- make me prime minister. ., ., minister. i have run that the attorney _ minister. i have run that the attorney general's - minister. i have run that the attorney general's office - minister. i have run that the | attorney general's office and minister. i have run that the i attorney general's office and it minister. i have run that the - attorney general's office and it is a key area with wide—ranging responsibilities. i am a key area with wide—ranging responsibilities. iam putting myself forward because i believe the 2098 manifesto is fit for purpose and presents a bold and inspiring vision of our country. i want to embed the opportunities of brexit and tidy up the outstanding issues relating to the northern ireland protocol and fix the problem of

illegal boats crossing the channel, stop at strasbourg court interfering in domestic policies, cut taxes, shrink the size of this state and government spending and take on some office cancel culture and woke rubbish that is permeating our schools, university, art societies. there is still a pretty free braille atmosphere here with the continued announcements. it really is a question of trying to work out whether boris johnson question of trying to work out whether borisjohnson realises that the game really is up —— free braille atmosphere. there has concerns among some whether he would go to general election. we are hearing borisjohnson will resign. chris mason saint borisjohnson is going to resign here from downing street. we expect him to confirm

that as fast as we can and chris mason must have heard that from his sources. the writing has been on the wall since we heard the contradictions in the story from the prime minister. we've seen the huge number of internal conservative protests and even this morning those appointed yesterday, trying to still shore up the prime minister have still called for him to go. there were fears of his behaviour resembling donald trump, a constitutional crisis, if he he has lost the confidence of all

wings of the conservative party, those who backed brexit and those who didn't at all rungs of government, junior and cabinet members, we have seen a vote of confidence, the threat of another vote of confidence that he would have lost. that tipping point clearly had come for the prime minister, it was a question of when and not if. but of course we will wait to see what downing street officially say on camera. we are hearing now from chris mason that borisjohnson is going to resign as prime minister. of course, he has delivered brexit, that is going to be his biggest legacy, whether you support it or not. the arguments will rage and the question is how damaging has this saga been to the conservative party, there will now be, it is presumed a big number of

candidates to take the country forward in the conservative party. we are hearing that borisjohnson is going to step down, but stay on as care taker leader until the autumn, according to chris mason who said the prime minister will stay on and any leadership race will last through the summer and the prime minister will stay until that is concluded. nick, tell us more. in the last few minutes, confirmation that the prime minister has agreed to stand down as conservative party leader. he will stay in office, he hopes, until the autumn, leader. he will stay in office, he hopes, untilthe autumn, and leader. he will stay in office, he hopes, until the autumn, and then this will be a new tory leader elected. the events of this morning have been enough to tip boris johnson over the edge. last night his plan was to cling on and reshuffle that place and get things

into a place where he could continue. the resignations today have been enough to push him over the edge. have been enough to push him over the edae. ., , have been enough to push him over theedue. ., �* the edge. people will say haven't his suworters — the edge. people will say haven't his supporters being _ the edge. people will say haven't his supporters being acting - the edge. people will say haven't his supporters being acting like l his supporters being acting like headless chickens, how can you support the prime minister one day and say privately you were saying something different? it is very damaging to the whole conservative leadership? it is damaging to the whole conservative leadershi - ? , , ., leadership? it is very fair question. _ leadership? it is very fair question, it _ leadership? it is very fair question, it is _ leadership? it is very fair question, it is a - leadership? it is very fair question, it is a questionj leadership? it is very fair - question, it is a question tory mps were asked, to be honest, i think this was inevitable from if not tuesday, certainly yesterday. boris johnson's power had sapped within his party and parliament yesterday and now he has been dragged into this position and we expect he will announce today formally that he will resign. announce today formally that he will resi . n. ~ . ~ announce today formally that he will resin. ~ ., ~ ., announce today formally that he will resin. ~ ., , , . resign. will he make a public statement? _

resign. will he make a public statement? i— resign. will he make a public statement? i expect - resign. will he make a public statement? i expect him - resign. will he make a public statement? i expect him to i resign. will he make a public. statement? i expect him to say something- _ statement? i expect him to say something. no _ statement? i expect him to say something. no confirmation, i statement? i expect him to say. something. no confirmation, but statement? i expect him to say i something. no confirmation, buti something. no confirmation, but i expect he will want to say something. expect he will want to say something-— expect he will want to say somethina. , , ., , ., something. this is what people have been calling — something. this is what people have been calling for. _ something. this is what people have been calling for. there _ something. this is what people have been calling for. there have - something. this is what people have been calling for. there have been i been calling for. there have been fears he would try to trigger a general election and fears it was drags us unconstitutional crisis and we heard people like gus o'donnell, the former head of civil service saying we have to be careful, we don't have a written constitution, but the prime minister can only govern if he has the whole support of the conservative party and the support of parliament. it was clear with all the resignations that the prime minister had lost that? yes. with all the resignations that the prime minister had lost that? yes, i think you're — prime minister had lost that? yes, i think you're right _ prime minister had lost that? yes, i think you're right there, _ prime minister had lost that? yes, i think you're right there, the - prime minister had lost that? yes, i think you're right there, the idea i think you're right there, the idea of a general election, my understanding is borisjohnson was told that would be impossible and put the queen in a difficult position. he has decided not to do that. to be honest. if he had tried to do it, there would have been a

mutiny in his party. it was so obvious yesterday in parliament, every where you turned, tory mps were saying the game is up. the thing that seems to have pushed the prime minister over the edge is the message from nadhim zahawi, chancellor for half message from nadhim zahawi, chancellorfor half a message from nadhim zahawi, chancellor for half a day, the education secretary for a day, resigning. he had no authority left. there wasn't a functioning government and he was forced out and he will confirm that soon. in government and he was forced out and he will confirm that soon.— he will confirm that soon. in terms of boris johnson _ he will confirm that soon. in terms of boris johnson as _ he will confirm that soon. in terms of boris johnson as a _ he will confirm that soon. in terms of boris johnson as a prime - of borisjohnson as a prime minister, he came into power in an extraordinary set of circumstances. with all the deep divisions of brexit. he is leaving office also under extraordinary circumstances. are people questioning even his mental stability at this point? because he was apparently unable to

see what the whole country could see that his position was untenable? i think some mps would question whether there was a sense of denial last night. we have an extraordinary situation where the country faces a cost of living crisis and questions about what the government can do to help vulnerable households and questions about the war in ukraine and the support the government is giving to the ukrainian regime to fight russia and the scottish government demanding a referendum on independence. there is a lot on the table, i suspect one of reasons borisjohnson wants to stay prime minister until the autumn is to try and sort some of those issues out and sort some of those issues out and have a swan song where he says there are things i want to deliver before i go. d0 there are things i want to deliver before i 90-— there are things i want to deliver before i go— there are things i want to deliver beforei no. ~ , , . before i go. do you think the public will acce -t before i go. do you think the public will accept him _ before i go. do you think the public will accept him staying _ before i go. do you think the public will accept him staying on? - before i go. do you think the public will accept him staying on? given l

will accept him staying on? given the incredible challenges. there are still potentially unpredictable international circumstances that the uk has to play a big part in, and ukraine is one, do people think he has thejudgment and ukraine is one, do people think he has the judgment and the wisdom and the calmness of head to stay in office even for the coming weeks? i think the key question is whether his mps think that and whether tory mps who will be turning on to find out that the prime minister is going to resign eminently and announce his departure time table imminently, they will be questioning among themselves do they need to do something quicker? do they keep borisjohnson in until the autumn and let an election play out? the other thing i suspect there will be a lot of people declare they want to be conservative party leader. there are different factions of party that will fight for the leadership and some are saying there will be a bloody battle and could divide the conservative party. that

bloody battle and could divide the conservative party.— bloody battle and could divide the conservative party. that won't 'ust be brexit, remain, i conservative party. that won't 'ust be brexit, remain, thati conservative party. that won't just be brexit, remain, that division i conservative party. that won't just be brexit, remain, that division is| be brexit, remain, that division is still deep within the party, it is a question of how far that is still you know present as a factor. we know of course all the key names that have been running, butjust speu that have been running, butjust spell out some of them, nadhim zahawi, who in one paper apparently had the backing of a key strategist, we don't know that for sure. how much damage has he done to himself with the last 24 hours? i{finite much damage has he done to himself with the last 24 hours?— with the last 24 hours? quite a lot to some mps- _ with the last 24 hours? quite a lot to some mps. yesterday, - with the last 24 hours? quite a lot to some mps. yesterday, we i with the last 24 hours? quite a lot| to some mps. yesterday, we heard with the last 24 hours? quite a lot i to some mps. yesterday, we heard a lot saying that, i had messaging from people who were in government until recently, saying nadhim zahawi gave the prime minister the kiss of life for 24 hours. so i think he will find many tory mps don't want him to be leader. not impossible he will sfand. —— stand. jeremy hunt,

the former foreign secretary could stand. potentially rishi sunak and sajid javid. i think by the end of today we will have quite a lot of people declaring they want to succeed boris johnson. he wants to stay until the autumn, he is going to announce in the next few minutes he is resigning, the question is who takes over. it might be whether it _ question is who takes over. it might be whether it is _ question is who takes over. it might be whether it is serving _ question is who takes over. it might be whether it is serving cabinet i be whether it is serving cabinet ministers who have stayed with boris johnson, all the criticism of the past few months, or whether the conservative party membership are more likely to choose somebody like jeremy hunt who was not a brexiteer but has not been in this administration and therefore potentially can make an argument he is not responsible for the errors in government. the is not responsible for the errors in government-— is not responsible for the errors in government. . . ., , ., ., government. the crucial question for the conservative _ government. the crucial question for the conservative party _ government. the crucial question for the conservative party is _ government. the crucial question for the conservative party is what - government. the crucial question for

the conservative party is what their l the conservative party is what their priority is. with that members think brexit is still something they're going to make their decision based on whether they think things have changed so significantly politically that they need to think about cost of living, some of the damage that has been done to the government in the past few weeks and months bite scandal we've seen time after time in number 10. scandal we've seen time after time in number10. some scandal we've seen time after time in number 10. some mps i've spoken to say there is ministers who waited until the last minute to quits are damaged by association with boris johnson. that benefit somebody like steve baker, jeremy hunt or tom tugendhat. rishi sunak has a big following in the conservative party, people ready to launch a campaign for him if he wants to do that. reportedly working on that for some time. �* ,,. reportedly working on that for some time. �* i. reportedly working on that for some time. �* , , time. and said javid yesterday, when he time. and sajid javid yesterday, when he made _ time. and sajid javid yesterday, when he made his— time. and sajid javid yesterday, when he made his resignation i when he made his resignation statement in parliament. ii when he made his resignation statement in parliament. if the conservative _ statement in parliament. if the conservative party _ statement in parliament. if the conservative party wanted i statement in parliament. if the conservative party wanted to i statement in parliament. if the conservative party wanted to curtail

this, if they feel they want boris johnson not to be in downing street until autumn, what other ways to do that, they would have to massively shorten the... they could potentially get .i or two candidates are not take it to the membership at all. they could somebody like theresa may to come back and take overfor theresa may to come back and take over for a few weeks. i theresa may to come back and take over for a few weeks.— over for a few weeks. i don't think that's likely- _ over for a few weeks. i don't think that's likely. it _ over for a few weeks. i don't think that's likely. it is _ over for a few weeks. i don't think that's likely. it is possible - that's likely. it is possible dominic raab could take over as interim prime minister. i think the brother question that will be asked over the next few hours is who puts their hat in the ring and how quickly the contest takes place —— broader question. quickly the contest takes place -- broader question.— quickly the contest takes place -- broader question. boris johnson made a bi -la of broader question. boris johnson made a big play of his _ broader question. boris johnson made a big play of his own — broader question. boris johnson made a big play of his own personal - a big play of his own personal mandate, i4 a big play of his own personal mandate, 14 million people voted for him and without him, inevitably there would be at the general election, however comes in once despite mr leaves, does not have

that personal public backing. under the british constitution that isn't the british constitution that isn't the case, the party has the mandate but it's still a question about whether we will end up with an early general election. you whether we will end up with an early general election.— general election. you are right. that question _ general election. you are right. that question is _ general election. you are right. that question is being - general election. you are right. that question is being asked i general election. you are right. i that question is being asked around this place. i think it is unlikely as things stand. 0nce borisjohnson resigns and announces it departure, the question becomes when that leader takes over and how long they have to build a new strategy for another general election. i think an election is probably a few months awake... . , , , election is probably a few months awake... ., , , , ., . awake... partly because the economic icture will awake... partly because the economic picture willjust _ awake... partly because the economic picture willjust get _ awake... partly because the economic picture willjust get worse _ awake... partly because the economic picture willjust get worse in _ awake... partly because the economic picture willjust get worse in the i picture willjust get worse in the coming months and into next year, politically the conservatives loan —— will not feel an election is advantageous. -- will not feel an election is advantageous.— -- will not feel an election is advantaueous. , , ., ., advantageous. exactly. very hard to sell our advantageous. exactly. very hard to sell your vision _ advantageous. exactly. very hard to sell your vision to _ advantageous. exactly. very hard to sell your vision to the _ advantageous. exactly. very hard to sell your vision to the electorate i sell your vision to the electorate during a cost of living crisis. in terms of where we are right now,

what is your assessment of where tory mps will be, a big sense of relief? ~ , , , relief? absolutely. they were in des - air relief? absolutely. they were in despair yesterday, _ relief? absolutely. they were in despair yesterday, around i relief? absolutely. they were in i despair yesterday, around parliament there was a real sense it was game over and things were extremely bad and this had to happen. they will be sitting this morning saying basically, delighted. numberio basically, delighted. number 10 spokesperson basically, delighted. numberio spokesperson text me, the prime minister will make a statement to the country today. he minister will make a statement to the country today.— the country today. he is off. of course, the country today. he is off. of course. some _ the country today. he is off. of course, some people _ the country today. he is off. of course, some people will- the country today. he is off. of course, some people will say l the country today. he is off. of. course, some people will say the press, that his own mps have been unfair on him to a degree. he had this huge personal mandate and delivered something that is probably difficult to imagine somebody else doing. he's had to face a pandemic, the war in ukraine. a police officer just trying to clear some journals away.

thanks very much. we are bringing you all the latest, nick eardley is nipping away. we expect a statement from the prime minister, who has we've had it confirmed borisjohnson will step down and we are having to move some of our kit around. said pain from the ft is here. tell us the latest. pain from the ft is here. tell us the latest-— the latest. everything is moving incredibly quickly. _ the latest. everything is moving incredibly quickly. we've - the latest. everything is moving incredibly quickly. we've had i incredibly quickly. we've had confirmed borisjohnson is set to resign as conservative party leader and prime minister and we understand he is going to stay on until october, the party conference to allow a leadership conference to take place. there are a practical question about whether the conservative party will allow that to happen because we've seen these resignations over the past 24 hours, positions needing to be filled just to keep the country running. we have to keep the country running. we have to wait for the 1922 committee, who will no doubt meet to decide a

timetable. after the past 48 hours the situation has become unsustainable for boris johnson the situation has become unsustainable for borisjohnson and after a morning of trying to figure out his way through it they realised what everyone else realised. it is over. . , over. reading the times, the prime minister spoke _ over. reading the times, the prime minister spoke to _ over. reading the times, the prime minister spoke to sir— over. reading the times, the prime minister spoke to sir graham i over. reading the times, the prime minister spoke to sir graham brady | minister spoke to sir graham brady at 8:30am at this morning and said he reflected on that conversation and decided it was in the interests of the party and country to announce his departure. there will be relief, won't there?— won't there? amongst many conservative _ won't there? amongst many conservative mps _ won't there? amongst many conservative mps and i won't there? amongst many conservative mps and the i won't there? amongst many i conservative mps and the cabinet. won't there? amongst many - conservative mps and the cabinet. we sought the new chancellor nadhim zahawi who wrote an open letter saying the premise that should go. defence secretary, ben wallace, most ardent defender of borisjohnson also said he should go. clearlyjust unsustainable and i'm sure within the party and the cabinet there will be a lot of relief that he has realised what has been put on the obvious to everyone. that realised what has been put on the obvious to everyone.— obvious to everyone. that it is over. obvious to everyone. that it is over- we _ obvious to everyone. that it is over. we will _ obvious to everyone. that it is over. we will leave _ obvious to everyone. that it is over. we will leave it - obvious to everyone. that it is

over. we will leave it there. . obvious to everyone. that it is l over. we will leave it there. we obvious to everyone. that it is i over. we will leave it there. we are going to bejoining viewers over. we will leave it there. we are going to be joining viewers across the country in a moment. seb payne from the ft there. we are alive in downing street at the moment. live in downing street for bbc news, bbc world and bbc one viewers who arejoining us. chris mason has confirmed borisjohnson is going to step down. we expect a statement from the prime minister today. he will serve as prime minister until a successor is elected in the autumn, if the conservative party members and the mps allow him to stay on until the autumn. that needs to be now a conservative party election. for the new leader. it is expected

there will be a very big field. we saw a letter from there will be a very big field. we saw a letterfrom nadim zaha be published on twitter calling for the prime minister to step down —— nadhim zahawi. it had been incredibly fibril in the past 24 hours and it was clear this was only moving into one direction, that came after a very senior foreign office official against a member of the prime minister's government. that scandal was the latest in a stream of scandals that has dogged the prime minister after partygate, criticism about his own sense of honesty and integrity. the heart of the criticism about his character, something that is even his allies

accepted couldn't be fixed a sense of policy drift with the conservative government as boris johnson has buffeted over and again by crisis of his own making. we have had a stream of resignations over 50, 54, 55 or more and of course we have had the intervention today from nadhim zahawi, who described himself as a friend of 30 years. he has gone public with a call. and michelle donelan resigning. it looks

chaotic, critics have said the whole tory party has been corrupted by the leadership of borisjohnson. we are expecting the prime minister to come out at some point in downing street and make a statement it has been reported, we can't confirm it that prime minister spoke to graham brady and confirmed he has pondered events and confirmed he has pondered events and realised the game was up. we don't have a written constitution, no prime minister can stay in office when they cannot get the full backing of the party. minister said they feared it was a trump style

challenge to the constitution. someone trying to stay in office. people questioned whether boris johnson's judgment was sound, given help had not seen the scale of opposition and stepped down already. it seems that moment has come and this is the man of course who delivered brexit for this country, came into power under extraordinary circumstances, brexit is still a divisive issue and there has been controversy around many of boris johnson's judgments even on very big questions. of course, as part of brexit, the northern ireland question, the northern ireland protocol, the breaking of

international law, the alienating of eu allies has been another area that have been very fractious. what happens to that now will rest on who takes over the conservative party, the party has been split by the remain/brexit factions and we don't know who will take over, whether thatis know who will take over, whether that is still a key concern and whether it will be somebody like jeremy hunt, who has not served as a cabinet minister, or one of big names in the government who has been part of the government. what does this mean norfor northern ireland and the integrity of the united kingdom. chris page is with us. what is your sense of breaking news that borisjohnson is going to resign as prime minister?

boris johnson is going to resign as prime minister?— prime minister? well, here in belfast it is _ prime minister? well, here in belfast it is fair _ prime minister? well, here in belfast it is fair to _ prime minister? well, here in belfast it is fair to say - prime minister? well, here in belfast it is fair to say that i prime minister? well, here in i belfast it is fair to say that very few if any politicians, be they unionist, nationalist or neither were great fans of borisjohnson. he has been criticised by all sides here. his resignation will be openly welcomed by nationalist and the the likes of cross community alliance party, who has been critical of him and his support of brexit from the start. but the bigger question i think will be around the very future of devolution in this part of the united kingdom. we are in the middle of a home grown if you lick political crisis at the moment, northern ireland hasn't had a fully functioning devolved government since february when the dup walked out of the power sharing executive in protest at the brexit trading arrangements. so that arrangement is called the northern ireland protocol, it was agreed by boris

johnson and brussels in the run up to the uk's exit from the eu and places a trade border between northern ireland and the rest of the uk. northern ireland has remained in the eu's single market for goods and continued to follow eu rules and that means plenty of goods when they come from britain to northern ireland, they are checked on arrival in northern ireland. so to unionists thatis in northern ireland. so to unionists that is a border when their own country, an internal trade barrier in the uk and something that threatens northern ireland's place in the union. the dup is vetoing the formation of a devolved government and stopping the assembly from sitting until, they they, that border is removed. borisjohnson and liz truss has been pushing legislation that would remove a number of the checks and in theory

pave the way for the dup to return to power sharing and northern ireland would get its government back. but the question is would a new prime minister continue that trajectory, that is damaging relations with dublin, the irish government says the legislation is in breach of international law, or will the new prime minister go along with critics that says it breaches international law and charter a new path? what is happening in downing street isn't bringing a resolution to the crisis any closer. it may be making it more complicated. chris pace, making it more complicated. chris page. thank _ making it more complicated. chris page. thank you- _ making it more complicated. chris page, thank you. we _ making it more complicated. chris page, thank you. we are - making it more complicated. chris page, thank you. we are here in downing street, with the breaking news that borisjohnson is now going to resign as prime minister, after facing a huge internal revolt. let's go to our correspondentjohn maguire on college green with steve baker.

just gauging reaction as it comes through. it has been an eventful morning and an event 48—hours and an eventful couple of years for boris johnson. the news has come through that he will resign, your reaction? filled with sorrow, i wanted boris johnson to be a roaring success. but i think it is the right decision. i will always remember that boris got us out of a constitution crisis, beatjeremy corbyn and we just need to sort out the property property. northern ireland protocol. but we can remember boris saved the country from a crisis and thank goodness he has agreed to go. iloathe from a crisis and thank goodness he has agreed to go-— from a crisis and thank goodness he has agreed to go. who knows what his lea has agreed to go. who knows what his legacy might — has agreed to go. who knows what his legacy might be. _ has agreed to go. who knows what his legacy might be. but _ has agreed to go. who knows what his legacy might be, but where _ has agreed to go. who knows what his legacy might be, but where did - has agreed to go. who knows what his legacy might be, but where did it i has agreed to go. who knows what his legacy might be, but where did it go i legacy might be, but where did it go so horribly wrong? it is legacy might be, but where did it go so horribly wrong?— so horribly wrong? it is clear this has been about _ so horribly wrong? it is clear this has been about the _

so horribly wrong? it is clear this has been about the handling i has been about the handling ultimately of the chris pincher affair. it has not been about policy or about people like me not liking what he was doing. we accepted he was a brexit heseltine, a lot of intervention but out of eu. ministers have seen what they have referred to as a lack of honesty and integrity. it is better he goes now than dragging on to the privileges committee finding he had misled the house. ~ . .,, committee finding he had misled the house. ~ ., .,, , committee finding he had misled the house. ~ ., , ., house. what has the mood been like? i have been through _ house. what has the mood been like? i have been through a _ house. what has the mood been like? i have been through a lot, _ house. what has the mood been like? i have been through a lot, seven i i have been through a lot, seven years of being in the centre of things and i have never seen colleagues in a deeper sense of despair. people have been supporting boris and they have wanted to rescue him from the situation he has been in. and of course they will be disappointed. what we have got to do

is bring ourselves together, remember we are are the leaders of our country, whether people like it or not, we have a majority in parliament, we have to behave with integrity and openness and not taubgt to our opponent —— talk to our opponents, but to the people. people deserve to be well governed by people with integrity. did it become too — by people with integrity. did it become too much _ by people with integrity. did it become too much of - by people with integrity. did it become too much of a - by people with integrity. did it become too much of a circus l by people with integrity. did it i become too much of a circus was there too many distractions? it has to be admitted. — there too many distractions? it has to be admitted, of— there too many distractions? it has to be admitted, of course - there too many distractions? it has to be admitted, of course it - there too many distractions? it has to be admitted, of course it has i to be admitted, of course it has suffered, but let's be realistic the last 24 hours did become a circus, you can't govern with ministers resigning in an avalanche. ben wallace was right to say he needed to stay as defence secretary. we need the get stable, have a policy of continuity and have a leadership contest that will happen in quickly

and in september a fresh start and get to a position where we win the next election, because we deserve to win. i believe we can be in that position. we have to deliver it with a great imperative. has position. we have to deliver it with a great imperative.— a great imperative. has the brand been damaged — a great imperative. has the brand been damaged too _ a great imperative. has the brand been damaged too much - a great imperative. has the brand been damaged too much 1234? i a great imperative. has the brand i been damaged too much 1234? the conservative _ been damaged too much 1234? the conservative party _ been damaged too much 1234? the conservative party endures. - been damaged too much 1234? the conservative party endures. i i conservative party endures. i believe in the conservative party, i have believed we need to shift emphasis. but it is a broad church. people are generally tories, even if they vote labour. i want to see people given good government. i believe in the conservative party, you know, ithink believe in the conservative party, you know, i think we should make no mistake that the next government will either be labour led, probably with the snp, or conservative led and it should be a conservative majority delivering on this direction of travel, that people have approved and we need to put smiles on ourface, stand up and deliver in a responsible way.

smiles on our face, stand up and deliver in a responsible way. there is only two — deliver in a responsible way. there is only two weeks _ deliver in a responsible way. there is only two weeks until _ deliver in a responsible way. there is only two weeks until the - is only two weeks until the parliamentary recess, talk us through the two weeks, is that enough time to get two candidates and who should hay be? thea;r enough time to get two candidates and who should hay be?— enough time to get two candidates and who should hay be? they be? that is enou . h and who should hay be? they be? that is enough the — and who should hay be? they be? that is enough the time _ and who should hay be? they be? that is enough the time to _ and who should hay be? they be? that is enough the time to get _ and who should hay be? they be? that is enough the time to get down - and who should hay be? they be? that is enough the time to get down to i is enough the time to get down to two candidates to put to the conservative party membership. it would have been trickier if the prime minister had needed removing, but now he is going, i'm confident we will whittle down candidates to two. that is to let mps get back to their constituencies and serve the public. but we can do it in two weeks. it will be frantic. many of you will be here for two weeks. some of us will have to live on adrenaline for two weeks. have you already had — adrenaline for two weeks. have you already had phone _ adrenaline for two weeks. have you already had phone calls _ adrenaline for two weeks. have you already had phone calls and - adrenaline for two weeks. have you already had phone calls and offeredj already had phone calls and offered your services to someone? will you tell us who that is, have they rung you? in tell us who that is, have they rung ou? . , tell us who that is, have they rung ou? ., , , , ., , ., you? in the last seven years i have rovided you? in the last seven years i have provided leadership _

you? in the last seven years i have provided leadership and _ you? in the last seven years i have i provided leadership and organisation through massive problems, whether it is brexit or covid, race relations, net zero, i have taken a lot of calls with potential leader. now i'm thinking whether i should do it. i've got into politics, because i thought i wanted an mp i could agree, maybe i want a prime minister i could respect. i have integrity, a willingness to do what is right for the long and short—term, so i'm considering standing, because conservative home members put me in their top ten and i should respect them. . , ., their top ten and i should respect them. ., i. ., i. their top ten and i should respect them. ., ., ., their top ten and i should respect them. . ., ., ., them. have you formed your team? how far alon: them. have you formed your team? how far along are _ them. have you formed your team? how far along are you? _ them. have you formed your team? how far along are you? i _ them. have you formed your team? how far along are you? i form _ them. have you formed your team? how far along are you? i form teams - far along are you? i form teams ruickl . far along are you? i form teams quickly- i'm _ far along are you? i form teams quickly. i'm involved _ far along are you? i form teams quickly. i'm involved with i far along are you? i form teams quickly. i'm involved with a i far along are you? i form teams | quickly. i'm involved with a team around me and we will see how things evolve. ~ ., ., , , ., ,~/ evolve. what level of support do you eneed need? — evolve. what level of support do you eneed need? to _ evolve. what level of support do you eneed need? to be _ evolve. what level of support do you eneed need? to be in _ evolve. what level of support do you eneed need? to be in the _ evolve. what level of support do you eneed need? to be in the last- evolve. what level of support do you eneed need? to be in the last two, i eneed need? to be in the last two, ou eneed need? to be in the last two, you should — eneed need? to be in the last two, you should aim _ eneed need? to be in the last two, you should aim to _ eneed need? to be in the last two, you should aim to get _ eneed need? to be in the last two,

you should aim to get the - eneed need? to be in the last two, i you should aim to get the maximum. if you're only on a small proportion. were i in the last two with a quarter of mps i would go to the membership. if i was there, quarter of mps, i would say what we need to do, get the backing of members, lead the country properly and everybody come together. itruihat members, lead the country properly and everybody come together. what do ou think and everybody come together. what do you think will — and everybody come together. what do you think will be _ and everybody come together. what do you think will be the _ and everybody come together. what do you think will be the main _ and everybody come together. what do you think will be the main point - you think will be the main point that you will be talking about if you're successful what will be the main messages that will convince your colleagues that you're the man for the job. your colleagues that you're the man for the 'ob. , , ., ., for the 'ob. first is to deliver on this for the job. first is to deliver on this mandate _ for the job. first is to deliver on this mandate and _ for the job. first is to deliver on this mandate and this _ for the job. first is to deliver on i this mandate and this manifesto. we have tortured the public for seven years with high drama politics with a seemingly continuous series of crises. and then we can have a general election. deal with the cost—of—living crisis. this mandate.

then we have to lock at what we want to be. i think the public, i'm certain the british public can rise to the challenge of the moment. we have got to deal with the economy, energy policy, make sure have got to deal with the economy, energy policy, make sure that have got to deal with the economy, energy policy, make sure that the people are more prosperous and free. the only way is conservative policies. i'm a true blue conservative.— policies. i'm a true blue conservative. , ., _ policies. i'm a true blue conservative. _ ., conservative. focus on policy and constituencies? _ conservative. focus on policy and constituencies? i— conservative. focus on policy and constituencies? i would _ conservative. focus on policy and constituencies? i would like i conservative. focus on policy and constituencies? i would like to i conservative. focus on policy and | constituencies? i would like to get olitics constituencies? i would like to get politics out — constituencies? i would like to get politics out of _ constituencies? i would like to get politics out of people _ constituencies? i would like to get politics out of people 's _ constituencies? i would like to get politics out of people 's lives. i politics out of people �*s lives. this was a tolerant people, where people could agree to disagree, now you get cancelled and shut down. what will be most pressing is people's economy and the lively hoovedhoods and that means lowering taxes. 50 hoovedhoods and that means lowering taxes. . hoovedhoods and that means lowering taxes, ., hoovedhoods and that means lowering taxes. ., ., , ., hoovedhoods and that means lowering taxes. ., ., ,

taxes. so at least one person throwing — taxes. so at least one person throwing their _ taxes. so at least one person throwing their hat _ taxes. so at least one person throwing their hat into - taxes. so at least one person throwing their hat into the i taxes. so at least one person i throwing their hat into the ring. we have heard from suella braverman, who said she would be considered to be borisjohnson's successor. now they only have two weeks for mps to try to elect a new leader of the conservative party before the summer recess. somebody who will succeed borisjohnson and take over at no 10. thank you. john maguire with steve baker confirming his interest in standing for the leadership. i'm joined by nick eardley. keir starmer has said on twitter that the conservatives have overseen 12 years of economic stagnation, declining public services and we don't need to change the tory at the top, we need a proper change of government, we

need a fresh start for britain. he said it is good news that boris johnson has resigned, but it should have happened long ago, he has been unfit for office and responsible for lies on an industrial scale and those who have been complicit should be ashamed. he said they cannot pretend they're the ones to sort it out. they have been in powerfor 12 years and the damage they have done is profound. enough is enough. nick, to confirm where we are. boris johnson has confirmed he will stand down? �* ., , johnson has confirmed he will stand down? 1, _., down? boris johnson in the next few hours will tell— down? boris johnson in the next few hours will tell us _ down? boris johnson in the next few hours will tell us all _ down? boris johnson in the next few hours will tell us all that _ down? boris johnson in the next few hours will tell us all that he - down? boris johnson in the next few hours will tell us all that he is i hours will tell us all that he is resigning and making way for a conservative leadership contest. he plans to stay as prime minister

while that confirmed he will stand down? borisjohnson in the next few hours will tell us all that he is resigning and making way for a conservative leadership contest. he plans to stay as prime minister while that contest happens, although my phone has been buzzing with conservative mps saying they think borisjohnson conservative mps saying they think boris johnson needs conservative mps saying they think borisjohnson needs to go now, because of the level of bad blood and everything that happens over the past 48 hours. borisjohnson has been pushed over the edge. last night he wanted to stay, he was planning a reshuffle and to put more people into the senior government roles that were vacant. but he has been pushed over the edge by nadhim zahawi, the new chancellor, a man in most for a day, saying he has changed his mind. michelle donelan. borisjohnson did not make the choice, he has been forced out of office. the writing to many was on the wall when rishi sunak and sajid javid walked out on tuesday. boris johnson has done everything he can to try and cling on, but now it is game over. he will announce his

resignation. and the allegations with chris pincher and a senior official saying the prime minister had again not been truthful and that question of the prime minister's integrity has been at the heart of the weekly daily criticism?— daily criticism? that is why this osition daily criticism? that is why this position was — daily criticism? that is why this position was untenable. - daily criticism? that is why this position was untenable. he i daily criticism? that is why this i position was untenable. he couldn't change a policy and tweak a few ideas to win mps over, it was about him and it had reached a point where his party had turned on mass and decided he wasn't going to change his behaviour. so the chris pincher row has been huge. borisjohnson denied that he knew about any

allegations against him or his team denied they knew of allegations about pincher until their story unravelled. but it is more than that, it is the by—election losses a few weeks ago, the resignation of lord geidt, partygate. 0wen paterson. all these things have had an effect on the prime minister's authority and standing in his own party and the chris pincher row was the straw that broke the camel's back. . ., ., ,, ., ., , the straw that broke the camel's back. _, ., ,, ., ., ,

lots of criticism as you about the potential alternatives. there will be a huge number of runners and riders within the cabinets. they are all complicit in every decision that borisjohnson has made. they backed him the question is how damaging thatis him the question is how damaging that is and whether he has corrupted the tory party, as the opposition say, whether with this huge mandate the conservatives have, this could be a fresh start to bring some stability. i be a fresh start to bring some stabili . . ., ., stability. i will reduce what one tory grandee — stability. i will reduce what one tory grandee said _ stability. i will reduce what one tory grandee said to _ stability. i will reduce what one tory grandee said to me. i stability. i will reduce what one tory grandee said to me. this i stability. i will reduce what one i tory grandee said to me. this will divide the party dramatically. there

were warnings on the record yesterday from the prime minister's allies, conor burns, who said this would be a bloodbath. there are so many different views on what the tory party should do next, it'll be extremely damaging. i have a pretty long list of people. give us some. they are from different wings not all of these are confirmed but lots will stand, i think. all of these are confirmed but lots will stand, ithink. rishi sunak, sajid javid, jeremy hunt, tom tagive hat, suella braverman, steve baker. the last two are really keen brexiteers, rishi sunak is it with a keen brexiteer. and sajid javid are form that one nation group and more the big question rishi sunak will face is whether he wants to move into number 10 having only moved out of number 11 a couple of days ago.

wets his team have reportedly been working on his leadership ambitions for some time. suella braverman said that she is rishi sunak was seen as the frontrunner, he was seen as competent but very damaged around the non—domiciled. we competent but very damaged around the non-domiciled.— the non-domiciled. we face a huge cost of living _ the non-domiciled. we face a huge cost of living crisis, _ the non-domiciled. we face a huge cost of living crisis, questions - cost of living crisis, questions about his politicaljudgment and whether he is too out of touch, a seat to wealthy and perhaps politically inexperienced to take over this hugejob. his politically inexperienced to take over this huge job.— over this huge job. his wife is a multi-multimillionaire. - over this huge job. his wife is a multi-multimillionaire. he - over this huge job. his wife is a multi-multimillionaire. he was| over this huge job. his wife is a - multi-multimillionaire. he was fined multi—multimillionaire. he was fined along he would be the second prime minister to break the law, if he was... rishi sunak will be weighing that up. i've asked people him standing is likely. , that he will outline within the next few hours, that it outline within the next few hours, thatitis outline within the next few hours, that it is a matter of weeks and

months before the new prime minister is decided upon. i do not think some tory mps will buy that. i've spoken to some in the past 20 minutes by text who say the prime minister needs to go now, borisjohnson cannot stay in office until his successor is chosen. there will be a big row over that. those potential leadership candidates will be weighing up their options now. dominic raab comes in, would come if he was to be caretaker, at one name being suggested. that he was to be caretaker, at one name being suggested-— being suggested. that was in the name being _ being suggested. that was in the name being mentioned _ being suggested. that was in the name being mentioned among i being suggested. that was in the i name being mentioned among tory being suggested. that was in the - name being mentioned among tory mps yesterday. he did not do very well last time in the leadership contest. if he became a caretaker prime minister he would not be able to stand. that has been discussed in the i another reaction from dominic

cummings, instrumental in delivering brexit. there is boris johnson there is borisjohnson i mean, there are some tory mps who are saying to me they think the prime minister needs to go now, the level of bad needs to go now, the level of had blood over the last few hours is so significant that they think the prime minister simply cannot hold on for a few more days, weeks or months. the question is partly about his judgment. we've seen come with ministers absent in about whether borisjohnson's judgment is ministers absent in about whether borisjohnson'sjudgment is ok, and autumn is some distance away. we've

got a war in ukraine, a real economic crisis for millions of people in this country. you need somebody in who people can still trust over the next few weeks. borisjohnson was planning to do some pretty radical things with tax cuts in the next few weeks. his team spoke yesterday about nadhim zahawi. some tory mps will be nervous about keeping borisjohnson in office to do things that they might not be comfortable with. this is not necessarily a majority view, and giving you a snapshot of opinion about whether or not he can stay in office for the next few weeks. that is a sense among some wings of the party including some who have resigned from government in the past need a clean break and borisjohnson is to go immediately. whatever he says over at the next few hours all

not save him for. in says over at the next few hours all not save him for.— not save him for. in terms of exactly we — not save him for. in terms of exactly we understand - not save him for. in terms of exactly we understand will. not save him for. in terms of- exactly we understand will make a statement today confirming he is stepping down. what with the conservatives to choose a replacement we will see opinion polls the sense in the public about whether they still conservative mps who choose the next prime minister backed boris johnson who choose the next prime minister backed borisjohnson and put him in office knowing what his character was like. in office knowing what his character was like. , ., , , . was like. in terms of the public oinion, was like. in terms of the public opinion. the — was like. in terms of the public opinion, the big _ was like. in terms of the public opinion, the big fear _ was like. in terms of the public opinion, the big fear tory - was like. in terms of the public opinion, the big fear tory mps| was like. in terms of the public . opinion, the big fear tory mps had when i spoke to them yesterday was the public has turned against the prime minister, notjust tory mps but the public is that enough. the thatis but the public is that enough. the that is can the conservative party

win in, i suspect he will want some weeks to have any sort of legacy, to not be the prime minister... obviously he has the brexit legacy which he is clearly very proud of but there is a bit of a sense he will want to do something over the next few weeks, that he is notjust remembered for the scandals that have forced him now from office. i am not sure all of his mps will be willing to give him that opportunity. in willing to give him that opportunity-— willing to give him that opportunity. willing to give him that o- ortuni . , ., ~' , opportunity. in terms of the key names that _ opportunity. in terms of the key names that could _ opportunity. in terms of the key names that could liz truss, - opportunity. in terms of the key i names that could liz truss, we've not heard anything from the foreign secretary as far as i know. i know she was travelling. has it she said anything? she is seen to be pretty popular amongst the conservative membership who ultimately decide who takes over. ., �* , membership who ultimately decide who takes over. . �* , ., ., , membership who ultimately decide who takes over. . �*, . ., , takes over. that's a really good question- _ takes over. that's a really good question. she _ takes over. that's a really good question. she has— takes over. that's a really good question. she has been - takes over. that's a really good question. she has been very i takes over. that's a really good - question. she has been very quiet, she is away at an international conference. my understanding yesterday as she did not think it,

she thought it was the and try and sort this out. similar message from ben wallace the party needed be weighing that up, i suspect, this morning, whether she decides to act now and decides it is her time to go for the leadership. one of the interesting things when i was chatting to tory mps this morning, a lot of them were saying they think those mps who did not resign, who stayed in theirjobs despite everything, they have been tainted what was the justification because it seems extraordinary some cabinet ministers including suella braverman, saying they wanted to stand for the leadership and thought borisjohnson should go but they were still in the cabinet. the same for nadhim zahawi. it the cases i've

heard for that and she could not leave that position vacant. the foreign secretary seems to have needs to get on with the job, likewise the defence secretary said he trying to work with the ukrainian government. it feels like lots of them have been slightly damaged by what has gone on over the past few days. the calculation they will be making is whether enough damage has been done to put them in a is whether sajid javid has been enough to get some of that people likejeremy hunt, tom

tugendhat, james dead has the prime minister is this humiliation? can he last untilor humiliation? can he last until or for that borisjohnson humiliation? can he last until or for that boris johnson will be for that borisjohnson will be allowed to stay until with the huge challenges facing this country and has judgment been questioned by his own allies. that's the immediate question going forward. ., , that's the immediate question going forward. . , , that's the immediate question going forward. . , forward. that is it. boris johnson has made _ forward. that is it. boris johnson has made the — forward. that is it. boris johnson has made the case _ forward. that is it. boris johnson has made the case over- forward. that is it. boris johnson has made the case over the - forward. that is it. boris johnson has made the case over the past| forward. that is it. boris johnson - has made the case over the past few weeks that if you look at president zelensky in ukraine, borisjohnson has been one of his key allies. president zelensky made that point as well. i suspect the prime minister will have come to the conclusion that he needs to steady the ship a bit over the next few weeks. whether he can do that firstly, do tory mps, are they

worried he may try and do something to change his legacy rather than protect the party or the government or the has created so much anger in the party,, the sense he was going to stay on the matter at what happened, does that do enough damage whose reputation it is impossible for him to stay on? those conversations are happening right now. i have texts from tory mps do they conclude so much damage has been done that even the prime minister saying he is going to go is not enough. i minister saying he is going to go is not enough-— minister saying he is going to go is not enou:h. ., ., ., ., not enough. i want to ask you about the position — not enough. i want to ask you about the position of— not enough. i want to ask you about the position of the _ not enough. i want to ask you about the position of the opposition - the position of the opposition because in the polling in the past few months the labour party have been and from that these mps to

move, perhaps. although keir starmer says he welcomes the recognition of borisjohnson, become says he welcomes the recognition of boris johnson, become favourites says he welcomes the recognition of borisjohnson, become favourites in the next election —— welcomed the resignation of borisjohnson. that the next election -- welcomed the resignation of boris johnson. at the conservative _ resignation of boris johnson. at the conservative party _ resignation of boris johnson. at the conservative party will _ resignation of boris johnson. at the conservative party will hope - resignation of boris johnson. at the conservative party will hope that i resignation of boris johnson. at the conservative party will hope that by putting a new leader in they can change the the party back on course and say, new leader, new agenda, let's move on. labour will be hoping the new leader is seen as tainted by what is going on in number 10 over the past few months and the conservative party are in a spiral of decline, equivalent to the one we saw underjohn major which led to that tony does not suggest keir starmer is on course for a landslide. it throws the political questions. what happens at the next general election is anybody�*s guest.

at the next few months will define who the new leader is going to be or what the priorities will be for the tory party, will they be happy with somebody who voted remain, do they still need someone to take the battle to the eu, well the only vote for somebody who promises tax cuts, does it want somebody prepared to spend more on the link? at the tory party has had an identity crisis, notjust because of the leadership of borisjohnson policies, highest tax burden in some time, this has contributed to tory mps wondering what they are doing and what they want to do next. they will weigh that up this afternoon as they decide who they want to be the next leader. i would expect a number of people putting their hat into the ring and a debate about the