Boris Johnson resigned, but what will happen now in the UK government

Johnson indicated in his resignation speech that he plans to stay in office until a successor is chosen.

According to CNN, this is what would happen under normal circumstances: a prime minister who has resigned as party leader remains in office as interim prime minister until a new party leader is in place.

But it is not clear whether the Conservative party will back it in Johnson’s case, as 50 officials have resigned from their posts so far.

Here’s what could happen next

Does Johnson’s resignation trigger a general election?

No, as the Conservative Party’s process to elect a new party leader begins. Prime Ministers of the United Kingdom are not directly elected by the people, Johnson is prime minister because he is the leader of the largest party in the House of Commons. The Conservatives will still be the largest party after Johnson’s resignation, so the new party leader will become prime minister.

How is the new head of the Conservative Party elected?

Leadership candidates need the support of at least eight lawmakers. If there are more than two candidates, conservative party lawmakers hold round after round of votes to reduce the number of leadership candidates to two. Conservative party members then vote nationwide, with the winner becoming party leader and prime minister.

When Johnson finally leaves Downing Street, what happens?

He submits his resignation to the Queen, in person. The palace will officially announce that Queen Elizabeth II has accepted Johnson’s resignation and will say who she has invited to become prime minister to replace him. That person will then go to meet the Queen to accept the invitation.

Should the new prime minister call a general election?

No, as the UK is not scheduled to have another general election until December 2024. The new Prime Minister can choose to ask Parliament to vote for an early election, but is not required to do so.

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