London mayor Sadiq Khan slams 'shameful political saga' as Boris Johnson quits

JOHNSON AND KHAN
Sadiq Khan and Boris Johnson seen during the opening of the Elizabeth Line

London mayor Sadiq Khan launched a blistering attack on Boris Johnson's leadership, calling it one of the most "shameful sagas" in British politics.

Speaking shortly ahead of the PM's resignation, Sadiq Khan said Mr Johnson had presided over a government defined by "lies, sleaze, an utter lack of integrity and unlawful behaviour".

'Collective sigh of relief'

The mayor claimed his government had stoked division and "levelled down" London for political gain.

"This has caused immense damage - harming our economy, feeding cynicism among the British public, degrading our country’s standing in the eyes of the world, and undermining the very principles and norms of our democracy," Mr Khan said

"There will be a collective sigh of relief across the country now he has finally agreed to leave Number 10, but that departure cannot wait until the Autumn now so much damage has been done," he added.

On Thursday morning it emerged Boris Johnson would resign as Tory party leader but remain prime minister until October.

A new prime minister will be in place until party conference in October, a No 10 source said. No 10 said "the prime minister will make a statement to the country today" - ITV News understands he will address the nation at 1pm.


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