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Boris Johnson delivers his final speech, heads to meet the Queen
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".
I have been proud to serve as leader of the Conservative Party for the last three years, winning the biggest majority for decades, getting Brexit done, overseeing the fastest vaccine rollout in Europe and giving vital support to Ukraine.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) September 5, 2022
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.
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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
