Quitting Parliament is entirely on brand and raises questions about his next move, writes Laura Kuenssberg.
The power of his personality - frankly his fame - means he leaves behind some devastated colleagues and a strand of the public who believe he has been hard done by.
His exit is arguably a tragedy for those who genuinely believed in and adored him. And there is a political tragedy for the Conservative Party, which many MPs privately believe squandered a once in a generation majority. But allies talk up his chances of running for another seat some time. One former senior minister tells me "the question is does he plan to get another seat or even Mid-Beds?" - the constituency his close ally and former Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries has just left.
Mr Johnson has thrown grenades at No 10 - not just the committee that has judged him - suggesting Mr Sunak is not running a "proper Conservative" government. In 2018, he quit Mrs May's cabinet in protest at her Brexit deal, only to return as leader of the party the following year, going on to win a huge majority at a general election
He advised Mr Johnson in No 10 sometimes and the two men worked together at the Telegraph when the former PM was its star columnist who attracted extra subscribers each week. Some of those who have worked alongside him believe it is more likely to be "terminal Boris". A former ally says "he was obviously once someone with exceptional skills, who came so far, and did so much in the face of incredible opposition".
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Labour tells Rishi Sunak not to accept 'carousel of cronies' on Boris Johnson's honours listThe call follows reports that former ministers Nadine Dorries and Sir Alok Sharma have been removed from the list to avoid the prospect of two potentially bruising by-elections.
Read more »
Boris Johnson studies MPs’ report into partygate allegations\n\t\t\tKeep abreast of significant corporate, financial and political developments around the world.\n\t\t\tStay informed and spot emerging risks and opportunities with independent global reporting, expert\n\t\t\tcommentary and analysis you can trust.\n\t\t
Read more »
Boris Johnson honours list released as Jacob Rees-Mogg given knighthoodThe list also features former London mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey and Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen, who have both been given peerages
Read more »
Partygate aides among those named in Boris Johnson's resignation honours list but others miss out'These are some of the most discredited people in Britain' Sir Chris Bryant MP, Chair of the Privileges Committee reacts after Partygate aides were among those named in Boris Johnson's resignation honours list. 📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233
Read more »