Boris Johnson resigns: It is painful to leave Downing Street, says PM

Boris Johnson has said it is “painful not to be able to see through so many projects and ideas” as he announced his resignation as Tory party leader.

The PM was met with cheers from family and staff as he made his resignation speech outside No 10.

He said he had tried to persuade colleagues it would be “eccentric” to change leader and blamed the “herd instinct” in Westminster for his exit.

He added he intended to stay in office until his successor is chosen.

A timetable for a leadership contest would be announced next week, he said. The winner of that contest will become the next UK prime minister.

However, Mr Johnson is facing calls to leave No 10 immediately – including from former Conservative prime minister Sir John Major.