BREAKING: Boris QUITS Tory leadership battle after Brexit ally Michael Gove abandons him to launch his own bid for Downing Street with devastating parting shot

Boris Johnson dramatically quit the Tory leadership battle today after Michael Gove delivered a mortal blow to his hopes of reaching Downing Street.

The former London mayor made a humiliating exit after the Justice Secretary announced his own bid and condemned his colleague.

In a series of devastating blows for Mr Johnson, Leader of the House Chris Grayling also came out in support of his arch rival Theresa May and key backers Nick Boles and Dominic Raab have defected to Mr Gove's campaign.

As the alliance between senior Leave figures in the EU referendum was torn up, Mr Johnson used what was meant to be his campaign launch in central London to rule himself out.

‘Let us seize this chance and make this our moment to stand tall in the world. That is the agenda for the next prime minister of this country,' he said.

'But I must tell you, my friends, you who have waited faithfully for the punch line for this speech, that having consulted colleagues and in view of the circumstances in Parliament, I have concluded that person cannot be me.

‘My role will be to give every possible support to the next Conservative administration, to make sure that we properly fulfill the mandate of the people that was delivered at the referendum and to champion the agenda I believe in.'

The Conservatives' ruling 1922 committee has confirmed that the candidates are Mrs May, Mr Gove, Treasury minister Andrea Leadsom, Work and Pensions Secretary Stephen Crabb and ex-defence secretary Liam Fox.

Mr Johnson saved his shock withdrawal for the end of a lengthy valedictory speech in which he stressed his achievements in City Hall and urged the UK to look towards a brighter future outside of the EU.


Mr Gove had been expected to play a key role in Mr Johnson's campaign after the pair worked hand in glove to deliver victory for Brexit in the historic referendum. He has repeatedly ruled out making a bid for Downing Street in the past - including memorably offering to record his denial in blood on a parchment.

However, there were hints of tensions with Mr Johnson last night when an email written by Mr Gove's wife surfaced which urged him to seek assurances from Mr Johnson on key issue.


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