http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/johnson-pulls-out-of-race/2919024.html
Johnson pulls out of race to be Britain's Brexit PM
Posted 30 Jun 2016 19:08
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Former London mayor and Brexit campaigner Boris Johnson. (Photo: AFP/Odd Andersen)
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LONDON: Leading Brexit campaigner Boris Johnson on Thursday (Jun 30) ruled himself out of the race to succeed Prime Minister David Cameron in a bombshell announcement just a week after Britain voted to leave the EU.
The decision by the former London mayor upended the leadership contest in the ruling Conservative Party and added to the deep uncertainty over how and when Britain will split from the bloc.
The shock outcome of the Jun 23 referendum has led to massive political upheaval, with warnings about the country's economic future and fears about its unity as support for independence surged in pro-EU Scotland.
The maverick Johnson had been tipped as a favourite to succeed Cameron, who resigned after the vote saying he would leave it to his successor to begin formal talks with the EU on Britain's departure - despite European leaders insisting on a quick divorce.
The frontrunner in the five-horse race is now interior minister Theresa May, who supported staying in the EU but insisted she would honour the referendum outcome and lead Britain out of the bloc.
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