Media Reacts to UK PM Boris Johnson’s Resignation

Politicians and media outlets around the world reacted on Thursday to the resignation of U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson. 

Johnson said he would quit as Conservative Party leader and continue serving as a caretaker prime minister until a replacement was found, adding, “I want you to know how sad I am to be giving up the best job in the world, but them’s the breaks.” Johnson, now the third consecutive British prime minister to resign after Theresa May and David Cameron, faced growing criticism on Wednesday as over 50 ministers and aides from his own Conservative Party quit. Calls for Johnson’s resignation stemmed from a series of controversies, including government parties that broke COVID-19 lockdown rules. 

Global reactions to Johnson’s resignation were often described as “mixed.” In a Thursday statement that did not mention Johnson’s name, President Joe Biden said, “The United Kingdom and the United States are the closest of friends and Allies, and the special relationship between our people remains strong and enduring.” 

Opinion and analysis coverage was widespread across the spectrum, with perspectives often splitting along ideological lines. Voices from the right were mixed; some called Johnson a flawed “hero,” while others said he lacked “character.” Voices from the left often criticized Johnson; some accused him of “shamelessness” and compared him to former President Donald Trump.