UK

Boris Johnson has announced he is standing down as an MP with immediate effect.

In a statement, the former prime minister said he has received the findings from the privileges committee report into whether he misled MPs over partygate.

“Much to my amazement they are determined to use the proceedings against me to drive me out of parliament”, he said.

He added: “So 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.

“I am very sorry to leave my wonderful constituency. It has been a huge honour to serve them, both as Mayor and MP.

“But I am proud that after what is cumulatively a 15 year stint I have helped to deliver among other things a vast new railway in the Elizabeth Line and full funding for a wonderful new state of the art hospital for Hillingdon, where enabling works have already begun.”