Brexit leader not running for British Prime Minister

(Baonghean.vn) - In a surprising move, on June 30, former London Mayor Boris Johnson, leader of the faction supporting Britain leaving the European Union (EU), announced that he would not run to replace outgoing Prime Minister David Cameron.

Boris Johnson has made a surprise decision to withdraw from the race to become Britain's new leader. Photo: Mirror.

The surprise announcement came despite previous public opinion that he was one of the most likely candidates to become the next British prime minister.

Speaking in London, the veteran Conservative politician - leader of the winning side in the historic referendum on June 23 - said the decision was made after consulting with colleagues, based on assessments of the actual situation.

The decision came just hours after one of his close Brexit allies, Justice Secretary Michael Gove, who is widely expected to back Mr Johnson's bid for the new Conservative Party leadership, announced he would stand to succeed Mr Cameron.

So far, Justice Secretary Michael Gove and Home Secretary Theresa May have been the two strongest candidates in the race to succeed Mr Cameron. Mr Johnson's new decision could give Mrs May an advantage.

Previously, according to a survey conducted by YouGov, the percentage of Conservative Party members supporting Mrs. May was leading Mr. Boris Johnson with 37%/27%.

Theresa May was one of the main supporters of Britain remaining in the EU. However, she has struck a balance between remaining loyal to Mr Cameron and bowing to the demands of her Conservative supporters by calling for reforms to the laws that allow all EU citizens to live freely in the UK.

The ruling Conservative Party is expected to elect a successor to Mr Cameron in early September. The new British Prime Minister will be responsible for starting difficult negotiations on a new relationship with the EU, as well as deciding whether to hold an early election.

Lan Ha

(According to AFP)