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Theresa May has tendered her resignation as prime minister to the Queen – live news Boris Johnson becomes prime minister after meeting the Queen – live news
(32 minutes later)
The Brexit party has just posted this on Twitter.
Boris has a track record of breaking his word. Can he be trusted to deliver Brexit on October 31st? pic.twitter.com/NlmUX4k1gL
It is quite similar to the attack tweets being issued by Labour yesterday, like this one.
In his campaign to become leader, Boris Johnson boasted he was the biggest defender of the bankers who crashed the economy.He won’t look out for you, only himself and his super-rich friends. Share the truth about our new Prime Minister.https://t.co/0HzbZyWKfd
Here is my colleague John Crace’s take on that photograph.
Queen: ‘Oh fuck. Has it really come to this? https://t.co/cCQmNFMsY9
Boris Johnson is now prime minister. We have not had the formal announcement from Buckingham Palace yet, but they have released the photograph of his audience with her, which effectively confirms the appointment.
This is from the Times’ Steven Swinford on the likely composition of Boris Johnson’s cabinet.
The whole set up of No 10 and the top team appears to be about getting the Vote Leave gang back together to deliver BrexitHence Cummings in No 10, Gove as CDL, Raab as foreign sec, Priti Patel as Home Secretary
Boris Johnson is reportedly going to make Dominic Raab, the former Brexit secretary, foreign secretary. (See 12.43pm.) Asked on BBC News if he would welcome this, Nigel Farage, the Brexit party leader, said he would. He explained:
I heard Jeremy Hunt talking just two days ago about shipping in the Gulf, and the need to build a European protection force, a European navy. I would much rather see someone like Dominic Raab [as foreign secretary], who believes in Brexit and doesn’t want us being part of a European army.
For anyone who would like to see Labour’s Jess Phillips as PM, here’s her manifesto.
No one is in charge for the next 15 mins so I'm going to suggest we immediately instigate actions to act on the climate crisis, set up a proper costed funding system for social care free at the point of delivery and quickly sign off the building of millions of social homes.
This is from Natalie Bennett, the former Green party leader, on the Greenpeace protest in the Mall.
A reminder for Boris Johnson, in case the air-conditioning was making him forget: the #ClimateEmergency should be at the top of his in-tray. https://t.co/o82oLKWXHt
This is from Greenpeace UK explaining what the protest on the Mall was all about.
BREAKING: we just tried to hand the incoming PM a crucial letter - it contains the answers to tackling the Climate Emergency. But will he *act*? #BorisJohnsonPM #ClimateEmergencySign the petition to demand #ClimateAction: https://t.co/krnIPqT0jq pic.twitter.com/XZMFjawPIz
Boris Johnson is now in Buckingham Palace meeting the Queen.
Here is the protest.Here is the protest.
There is a protest in the Mall. Some Extinction Rebellion protesters are blocking the Mall to try to stop Boris Johnson reaching Buckingham Palace. There is a protest in the Mall. Some Greenpeace protesters are blocking the Mall to try to stop Boris Johnson reaching Buckingham Palace.
From ITV’s Chris ShipFrom ITV’s Chris Ship
Statement from Buckingham Palace. Theresa May just left ...#newprimeminister pic.twitter.com/0tQfoh4JRmStatement from Buckingham Palace. Theresa May just left ...#newprimeminister pic.twitter.com/0tQfoh4JRm
Theresa May has resigned, and Boris Johnson has yet to be appointed PM. For a brief few minutes no one is running the country ...Theresa May has resigned, and Boris Johnson has yet to be appointed PM. For a brief few minutes no one is running the country ...
Theresa May has now left Downing Street.Theresa May has now left Downing Street.
She is leaving London and going back to her home in her constituency.She is leaving London and going back to her home in her constituency.
David Gauke has resigned as justice secretary, as he said he would. He is refusing to serve in Boris Johnson’s government because he is opposed to a no-deal Brexit.David Gauke has resigned as justice secretary, as he said he would. He is refusing to serve in Boris Johnson’s government because he is opposed to a no-deal Brexit.
In his resignation letter Gauke says:In his resignation letter Gauke says:
In my view, the only responsible way to honour the 2016 referendum result is to leave the EU with a deal and, without such a deal, I fear for the prosperity, security and unity of the United Kingdom.In my view, the only responsible way to honour the 2016 referendum result is to leave the EU with a deal and, without such a deal, I fear for the prosperity, security and unity of the United Kingdom.
Given Boris [Johnson’s] stated policy of leaving the EU by 31 October at all costs, I am not willing to serve in his government. I believe I can most effectively make the case against a no-deal Brexit from the backbenches.Given Boris [Johnson’s] stated policy of leaving the EU by 31 October at all costs, I am not willing to serve in his government. I believe I can most effectively make the case against a no-deal Brexit from the backbenches.
Just to confirm that immediately after PMQs, I resigned as Justice Secretary and Lord Chancellor. I am very grateful to @theresa_may for giving me the opportunity to serve in her Cabinet. pic.twitter.com/S0GDqgiFLvJust to confirm that immediately after PMQs, I resigned as Justice Secretary and Lord Chancellor. I am very grateful to @theresa_may for giving me the opportunity to serve in her Cabinet. pic.twitter.com/S0GDqgiFLv
From the veteran political journalist Michael CrickFrom the veteran political journalist Michael Crick
It’s worth remembering that for the last 40+ years every PM has lasted longer than most experts have forecast - Callaghan, Thatcher, Major, Blair, Brown, Cameron and even May. True of many of their predecessors tooIt’s worth remembering that for the last 40+ years every PM has lasted longer than most experts have forecast - Callaghan, Thatcher, Major, Blair, Brown, Cameron and even May. True of many of their predecessors too
Here is the full text of Theresa May’s final speech. There was not really any news in it, although her call for a Brexit that “works for the whole of the United Kingdom” was a way of telling Boris Johnson to avoid a no-deal Brexit. As Nick Robinson argued in last week’s BBC documentary Britain’s Brexit Crisis (which is well worth watching, if you have not seen it yet), it was a visit to Northern Ireland, and conversations with people who said no-deal could lead to Northern Ireland leaving the UK, that persuaded May to abandon her belief that no-deal was acceptable as a fallback option.Here is the full text of Theresa May’s final speech. There was not really any news in it, although her call for a Brexit that “works for the whole of the United Kingdom” was a way of telling Boris Johnson to avoid a no-deal Brexit. As Nick Robinson argued in last week’s BBC documentary Britain’s Brexit Crisis (which is well worth watching, if you have not seen it yet), it was a visit to Northern Ireland, and conversations with people who said no-deal could lead to Northern Ireland leaving the UK, that persuaded May to abandon her belief that no-deal was acceptable as a fallback option.
May said:May said:
I am about to go to Buckingham Palace to tender my resignation to Her Majesty the Queen and to advise her to ask Boris Johnson to form a new administration.I am about to go to Buckingham Palace to tender my resignation to Her Majesty the Queen and to advise her to ask Boris Johnson to form a new administration.
I repeat my warm congratulations to Boris on winning the Conservative leadership election.I repeat my warm congratulations to Boris on winning the Conservative leadership election.
I wish him and the government he will lead every good fortune in the months and years ahead.I wish him and the government he will lead every good fortune in the months and years ahead.
Their successes will be our country’s successes, and I hope that they will be many.Their successes will be our country’s successes, and I hope that they will be many.
Their achievements will build on the work of nearly a decade of Conservative or Conservative-led government.Their achievements will build on the work of nearly a decade of Conservative or Conservative-led government.
During that time our economy has been restored, our public services reformed, and our values defended on the world stage.During that time our economy has been restored, our public services reformed, and our values defended on the world stage.
Of course, much remains to be done – the immediate priority being to complete our exit from the European Union in a way that works for the whole United Kingdom.Of course, much remains to be done – the immediate priority being to complete our exit from the European Union in a way that works for the whole United Kingdom.
With success in that task can come a new beginning for our country – a national renewal that can move us beyond the current impasse into the bright future the British people deserve.With success in that task can come a new beginning for our country – a national renewal that can move us beyond the current impasse into the bright future the British people deserve.
To serve as prime minister of the United Kingdom is the greatest honour.To serve as prime minister of the United Kingdom is the greatest honour.
The heavy responsibilities are outweighed by the huge potential to serve your country.The heavy responsibilities are outweighed by the huge potential to serve your country.
But you achieve nothing alone.But you achieve nothing alone.
And as I leave Downing Street, my final words are of sincere thanks.And as I leave Downing Street, my final words are of sincere thanks.
To my colleagues in government and parliament.To my colleagues in government and parliament.
To everyone in the building behind me and across the civil service.To everyone in the building behind me and across the civil service.
To the men and women of our armed forces and security services.To the men and women of our armed forces and security services.
And to the public servants in our schools, our NHS, our police and the other emergency services.And to the public servants in our schools, our NHS, our police and the other emergency services.
All are inspired by the noble wish to serve their country in the national interest.All are inspired by the noble wish to serve their country in the national interest.
I also want to thank the British people.I also want to thank the British people.
Everyone who loves our great country, who works hard for their family and wants their children and grand-children to enjoy greater opportunity than they did.Everyone who loves our great country, who works hard for their family and wants their children and grand-children to enjoy greater opportunity than they did.
Thank you for putting your faith in me and giving me the chance to serve.Thank you for putting your faith in me and giving me the chance to serve.
This is a country of aspiration and opportunity and I hope that every young girl who has seen a woman prime minister now knows for sure that there are no limits to what they can achieve.This is a country of aspiration and opportunity and I hope that every young girl who has seen a woman prime minister now knows for sure that there are no limits to what they can achieve.
Finally and most of all, I want to thank my husband Philip – who has been my greatest supporter and my closest companion.Finally and most of all, I want to thank my husband Philip – who has been my greatest supporter and my closest companion.
I am about to leave Downing Street but I am proud to continue as the member of parliament for Maidenhead.I am about to leave Downing Street but I am proud to continue as the member of parliament for Maidenhead.
I will continue to do all I can to serve the national interest.I will continue to do all I can to serve the national interest.
And play my part in making our United Kingdom – a great country with a great future – a country that truly works for everyone.And play my part in making our United Kingdom – a great country with a great future – a country that truly works for everyone.
Theresa May has now arrived at Buckingham Palace to see the Queen.Theresa May has now arrived at Buckingham Palace to see the Queen.
May says she wishes Boris Johnson and his team every good fortune.
Their successes will be our successes, she says.
She says much remains to be done.
Brexit must be finished in a way that works for the whole of the UK.
Then Britain can move to a bright future.
Being PM is a heavy honour, she says.
She says you achieve nothing alone.
She says her final words of of sincere thanks - to her staff, to people in parliament, to people in the armed forces, and to public servants, in schools, the NHS and the civil service.
She also wants to thank the British people - everyone who works hard and wants their children to do better.
Thank you for putting your faith in me and giving me the chance to serve.
She says she hopes young girls have seen her and thought there is nothing they cannot achieve.
She ends by thanking her husband, Philip.
In the background Steve Bray, the “Mr Stop Brexit” campaigner who has become a Westminster fixture, can he heard shouting: “Stop Brexit.”
“I think not,” says May.
And that’s it.
Theresa May is about to deliver her final speech as prime minister, as she leaves Downing Street on her way to Buckingham Palace to submit her resignation to the Queen.
David Lidington, the Cabinet Office minister and Theresa May’s de facto deputy, is also resigning, he has announced on Twitter.
I wrote to @BorisJohnson yesterday to congratulate him on his election, to wish him well & to say I've decided that after 20 yrs on the front bench it's the right moment to move on. I shall leave the govt when @theresa_may offers her resignation to The Queen.
I shall do all I can to help new govt secure a deal to allow an orderly departure from the EU.
Huge thanks to the civil servants @cabinetofficeuk whom I've had the privilege to lead. The impartiality & professionalism of the civil service is one of the great strengths of our constitution. As is readiness of Ministers to encourage candid even when unwelcome, advice.
Lidington was not expected to stay in cabinet under Boris Johnson, not least because he is firmly opposed to a no-deal Brexit, an option that Johnson is refusing to rule out.
This is from Diane Abbott, the shadow home secretary, on PMQs.
Hypocritical Tory MP’s cheering their outgoing leader #BorisJohnsonPM
The chief whip in the Lords, Lord Taylor of Holbeach, is also standing down. A source said this had been long planned and was not to do with the “political situation”. As the Press Association reports, the source went on: “He has been on the frontbench for a long time.”
Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, has said the EU will be ready if Boris Johnson pursues a no-deal strategy. Today he met MEPs on the European parliament’s Brexit steering group. (See 11.56am.) Barnier said he was waiting to hear from the Tory leader about his plans for Brexit and stressed that a no-deal outcome would never be the EU’s preference. Speaking to the BBC, Barnier said:
It’s a very important moment for Brexit.
We look forward to hearing what the new prime minister, Boris Johnson, wants, what are the choices of the UK.
Is it an orderly Brexit? This is the choice, the preference of the EU and we have worked for an orderly Brexit all along the last three years.
Is it a no-deal Brexit? A no-deal Brexit will never be, never, the choice of the EU. But we are prepared.
And for an orderly Brexit we will work along the next few weeks and months with the new UK government in the best possible way in a very constructive spirit to facilitate the ratification of the withdrawal agreement.
Boris Johnson’s claims that crashing out of the EU with no deal would be less painful because of a series of “side deals” that the UK has already done with Brussels have been dismissed as “rubbish” by the EU, my colleague Lisa O’Carroll reports.
Boris Johnson's claims of 'side deals' are 'pure rubbish', EU says
This is from David Cameron, the former Conservative PM:
Congratulations @BorisJohnson on becoming our Prime Minister. It is a great privilege & responsibility - but behind that famous black door you will find the most hugely talented officials waiting & wanting to help you serve the country; I wish you well.
The use of “but” in Cameron’s second sentence may be telling. It makes the sentence read like a warning to Boris Johnson that he should not ignore the advice he gets from his civil servants.
It might have been inspired by the news that Johnson intends to take Dominic Cummings into No 10 as an adviser. During the coalition, Cummings was fiercely critical of Cameron, and also of some of Cameron’s most senior civil service advisers.
Here is an extract from Philip Hammond’s resignation letter:
Most importantly, we bequeath to our successors genuine choices, once a Brexit deal is done: the ability to choose, within the fiscal rules, between increasing public spending, reduced taxes, higher investment or progress towards faster debt reduction – or some combination of all four. After a decade when the aftermath of the 2008-09 recession meant we had no choices, this is a luxury which our successors should use wisely.