Dark Mode
Tuesday, 24 December 2024
Logo
Boris Johnson delivers his final speech, heads to meet the Queen
In a wide-ranging speech, Johnson hailed his record on Covid vaccines, supporting Ukraine and getting Brexit doneImage caption: In a wide-ranging speech, Johnson hailed his record on Covid vaccines, supporting Ukraine and getting Brexit done - Getty Images via BBC

Boris Johnson has delivered his final speech on the steps of No 10 Downing street, making the claim that his premiership was a relay race cut short by rules that were "changed half way through", according to the BBC.

He also rattled through some of the issues he believes have defined his time in No 10, including "getting Brexit done", rolling out the Covid-19 vaccine programme and resisting Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine.

The outgoing PM expressed confidence in his "compassionate" successor Liz Truss, and said her government would get people through the current energy crisis.

He also stressed Truss will be providing economic support for households. That will be the most important part of the speech for many watching from home.

Johnson also hailed his government's record on the economy, with the number of people out of work now lower than any time since he was "about 10 years old and bouncing around on a space hopper".

These characteristic rhetorical flourishes were peppered throughout the speech, including stating he was a "booster rocket" that has now "fulfilled its function".

Perhaps unsurprisingly, there were no references to other events that ultimately contributed to his downfall - for instance, Downing Street parties. This also formed part of his legacy.

Priti Patel resigns as UK home secretary following Truss' election

With that, Boris Johnson leaves Downing Street for the final time.

There was heckling from protesters, but it wasn’t as loud as the day when he announced he was resigning.

The outgoing prime minister is expected to meet the Queen in Balmoral at about 11:20 BST.

levantnews-BBC