Douglas Ross says Boris Johnson ‘finally made the right decision’
Douglas Ross has said Boris Johnson has “finally made the right decision” by planning to resign as Prime Minister.
Johnson is expected to make an official statement this afternoon.
In a tweet welcoming the news, the Scottish Tory leader also criticised Nicola Sturgeon and the SNP for their handling of the complaint against Patrick Grady.
He said: “The Prime Minister has finally made the right decision to resign. Those on the SNP benches should now take a good long look in the mirror. I don’t expect [Nicola Sturgeon] will be so quick to comment on this.”
Resignations from the Conservative frontbench were sparked by the handling of harassment complaints against former deputy chief whip Chris Pincher.
Despite statements from No 10 last night saying Johnson would not go, it was confirmed this morning he intended to resign.
But there is ongoing disagreement within the Conservative party about whether he is able to remain as a so-called caretaker PM or whether he should leave office immediately.
In the meantime, he has begun announcement replacements for Cabinet members.
Greg Clark has been appointed as the new Levelling Up Secretary, replacing Michael Gove – who was dramatically fired by Johnson last night.
Meanwhile, James Cleverly is the new Education Secretary, replacing Michelle Donelan.
Donelan herself was a replacement of Nadhim Zahawi but resigned this morning, just hours into the job.
Robert Buckland is the new Welsh Secretary, while Shailesh Vara takes on the role of Northern Ireland Secretarary.
Kit Malthouse has been appointed the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Andrew Stephenson is Minister without Portfolio.
More updates to follow.
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