Boris Johnson a ‘political titan’, says Priti Patel as MPs react to shock resignation

Boris Johnson has been dubbed a political “titan” by loyal Conservative MPs after he revealed a shock decision to quit the House of Commons over a partygate investigation.

Supporters of the former prime minister took to Twitter to heap praise on Mr Johnson, noting his delivery of Brexit and support for Ukraine after the full-scale invasion by Russia.

There were also remarks that echoed Mr Johnson’s comment in his departing statement that he was only leaving Parliament “for now”, with one Tory MP saying it was not “the end”.

The news broke late on Friday night when Mr Johnson released a lengthy statement announcing that he would be stepping down as MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip.

It came just after Mr Johnson had been handed the first draft of the Commons Privileges Committee report into whether he misled MPs when denying lockdown-breaking events in Downing Street. 

If a suspension from the Commons of 10 days or more had been recommended by the Committee and voted through by MPs then Mr Johnson faced a by-election being triggered. 

Priti Patel

The former Home secretary Priti Patel told the Telegraph: “Boris Johnson has served our country and his constituency with distinction. 

“He led the world in supporting Ukraine and defending our values, he got Brexit done, and he secured successes for the Conservative Party not seen since Margaret Thatcher. 

“Boris is a political titan whose legacy will stand the test of time.”

Sir James Duddridge

One of Mr Johnson’s most loyal Tory MP supporters, tweeted: “History will recognise the great work Boris did on Brexit, Ukraine and covid. He is a titan amongst minnows. This is the conclusion of a chapter not the end of the book. We will hear more about Boris over the coming days, months and years.”

Angela Rayner

The Labour Deputy Leader and Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said: “The British public are sick to the back teeth of this never ending Tory soap opera played out at their expense.

“After thirteen years of Conservative chaos, enough is enough.

“It’s time to turn the page with a fresh start for Britain with a Labour Government focused on the people’s priorities of tackling the cost of living crisis and building a better future.”

John McDonnell

The MP for Hayes and Harlington and former shadow chancellor, tweeted: “Good riddance”.

Mhairi Black

The SNP’s deputy Westminster leader said Boris Johnson “jumped before he was pushed”.

Mhairi Black, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South, said on Friday: “Boris Johnson has jumped before he was pushed, and no one in Scotland will be sorry to see the back of him but he has also underlined the weakness of Rishi Sunak, who has no authority over the bitterly divided Tory party.

“Sunak has been utterly humiliated. On the day he was forced to accept Johnson’s dodgy honours list to shore up his position, his predecessor has stuck two fingers up at him and reminded everyone that Sunak was unable to take action for fear of a leadership challenge.

“This sordid Tory scandal is yet another reminder of how broken and corrupt the Westminster system is – and why it is essential that Scotland becomes an independent country, so we can escape Westminster control and get rid of unelected Tory governments for good.”

Sadiq Khan

“Hours after the PM sends Boris Johnson’s mates to the Lords – he resigns after a serious breach of Parliamentary rules. This Government is beyond a joke.”

Mark Jenkinson

The Conservative MP for Workington: “Very sad tonight as we lose a political giant from the Commons, a man that will go down in the history books as one of the greatest political leaders in my lifetime

”Against all odds – an 80 seat Conservatives  majority, turned Workington Man out to vote for me & delivered Brexit. BorisJohnson has his place in the heroes gallery.

“When the witch hunt has been forgotten, future generations will look back in astonishment. Brexit and covid sent the country mad.”

Eddie Hughes

The Conservative MP for Walsall North, tweeted: