Mr. Johnson's decision to step down was accompanied by a strongly worded statement in which he criticized the Privileges Committee, accusing it of attempting to oust him from Parliament. He stated, "I have written to my association in Uxbridge and South Ruislip to say that I am stepping down forthwith and triggering an immediate by-election."

In the statement spanning 1,000 words, Mr. Johnson also asserted that the committee had failed to produce evidence that he knowingly or recklessly misled the Commons, arguing that he spoke sincerely and as briefed by government officials. He also accused the committee of pursuing a predetermined verdict.

The cross-party Privileges Committee, led by Labour MP Harriet Harman, had been examining whether Johnson's statements about adherence to COVID-19 rules and guidance during Downing Street gatherings were truthful.

The potential of a by-election loomed if the committee recommended a suspension from the Commons for 10 days or more as a penalty for misleading statements. In response to his resignation, the committee emphasized following the House's procedures and mandates, vowing to continue doing so.

Johnson portrayed the situation as a "witch hunt" driven by motives related to Brexit and the desire to reverse the 2016 referendum result. He suggested that a small group of individuals, lacking evidence to support their claims, forced him out of Parliament.

In his statement, he also criticized the current government, particularly Chancellor Rishi Sunak, for raising taxes, not capitalizing on Brexit, and failing to represent conservative values. He expressed concerns about the party's diminishing popularity in the polls and urged it to recapture momentum.

He also went on to express his regrets at leaving his constituency, highlighting that it had been an honor serving both as Mayor and MP.

While Johnson left the door open for a potential political return, his resignation comes less than four years after securing an 80-seat majority and nine months after resigning as prime minister due to partygate and the Chris Pincher affair.

Boris Johnson's political career, which spanned over two decades, included terms as MP for Henley, two tenures as Mayor of London, and his return to Parliament in 2015. Conservative MP Sir Michael Fabricant criticized the treatment of Johnson, citing his historic achievements regarding Brexit and a landslide general election victory.

Despite Fabricant's comments, many MPs welcomed Johnson's departure. Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner expressed public fatigue with the Conservative Party's internal struggles, while Daisy Cooper, deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats, welcomed his resignation. SNP deputy leader Mhairi Black saw Johnson's departure as a reflection of the Tory party's division.

Green MP Caroline Lucas pointed out the controversy that had surrounded Johnson's tenure and criticized the timing of his resignation. The announcement, coming shortly after his resignation honours list, signifies a challenging by-election for the Conservatives in the Uxbridge and South Ruislip constituency.

The abrupt nature of Johnson's departure adds to the political upheaval in the UK, as former Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries also triggered a by-election on the same day by resigning from the Commons. These events have left the future political landscape uncertain, and both constituencies will soon vote in critical by-elections.

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