UK’s newly appointed chancellor urges Boris Johnson to resign

By Ahmet Gurhan Kartal

LONDON (AA) - British Chancellor of the Exchequer Nadhim Zahawi on Thursday urged Prime Minister Boris Johnson to resign.

Zahawi, who was appointed only 2 days ago after the resignation of Rishi Sunak, said he became chancellor out of loyalty to the country.

“Yesterday, I made clear to the prime minister alongside my colleagues in No 10 that there was only one direction where this was going, and that he should leave with dignity,” Zahawi said.

“Out of respect, and the hopes that he would listen to an old friend of 30 years, I kept this counsel private.”

Zahawi said he is “heartbroken that he hasn’t listened and that he is now undermining the incredible achievements of this government at this late hour.”

He added that “the country deserves a government that is not only stable, but which acts with integrity.”

“Prime Minister, you know in your heart what the right thing to do is, and go now.”

Newly appointed Education Secretary Michelle Donelan has also resigned from the government following Zahawi, adding more pressure on Johnson.

A total of 54 resignations came within the past 48 hours.