Michel Barnierformer Brussels Brexit negotiator and arch-rival of Boris Johnson, said the outgoing prime minister’s departure opened “a new page in relations” with the UK. With a swipe at his former enemy, he said he hoped the new chapter “would be more constructive and more respectful of the commitments made”.
He tweeted: “Boris Johnson’s departure opens a new page in relations with the UK.
“May it be more constructive, with more respect for the commitments made, especially with regard to peace and stability in NI, and more friendly with partners in the EU.
“Because there is so much more to do together.”
Mr Barnier joins beaming EU chief Guy Verhofstadt on his delight at Mr Johnson’s departure.
The arch-Europhile and Brexit critic wasted no time putting a boot on Mr Johnson’s resignation as Tory leader, tweeting: “It can only get better”.
Mr Johnson and Mr Barnier had a tumultuous relationship after the pair were forced to work together to agree on the UK’s future relationship with the EU after Brexit.
Johnson announced his resignation as prime minister this afternoon after being ousted by ministers and many Conservative MPs who said he was no longer fit to rule.
Speaking outside his Downing Street office, Johnson announced his “painful” resignation, but defied pressure to resign now, insisting he intended to stay on as prime minister while his party chooses his successor.
The Prime Minister’s decision to step down marks the end of a roller-coaster political career in which he led Britain out of the Brussels bloc and propelled the Conservatives to their biggest election win in three decades.
It follows three years of scandals, including anger at parties held in his Downing Street office during the coronavirus lockdowns, allegations of violating international law over his threats to override parts of the Brexit treaty, most recently being handling allegations of sexual harassment against a Member of Parliament
The prime minister said it was “eccentric” to change governments at this stage, but “sorry I have not been successful in those arguments”.
A new Tory leader will now be elected to replace Mr Johnson at number 10.
He gave a speech from a lectern in Downing Street, saying: “In politics no one is remotely indispensable”, “I want you to know how sad I am to give up the best job in the world, but those are the breaks.”
Johnson plans to remain at No. 10 until his successor is elected, but he is meeting opposition to that plan from his own party and the opposition.
He has already appointed new cabinet ministers to replace MPs who resigned as part of the mass ministerial exodus in protest at his leadership.
In a statement viewed by staff, supporting MPs and his wife Carrie Johnson carrying their child Romy, the Prime Minister said: “It is now clear the will of the parliamentary Conservative Party that there should be a new leader of that party and therefore a new prime minister.
“And I agree with Sir Graham Brady, the chairman of our backbench MPs, that the process of electing that new leader must begin now and the timetable will be announced next week.