Boris Johnson says 'no' to Tory leadership

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ANI London
Last Updated : Jun 30 2016 | 6:57 PM IST

Former London mayor and pro Brexit campaigner Boris Johnson today ruled out the possibility of him being the next Tory leader in the race to become the Prime Minister of Britain.

"I have concluded that person cannot be me," said Johnson during a speech.

"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," Johnson added.

Johnson's announcement caught many by surprise, including Theresa May, who has also officially launched her campaign for the Conservative party leadership, reports the Independent.

Earlier on Thursday, Justice Secretary Michael Gove also entered the Conservative leadership, who had been expected to back fellow Leave campaigner Boris Johnson.

Gove said that he had "reluctantly" come to the conclusion that the former London mayor "cannot provide the leadership or build the team for the task ahead".

The candidates who declared their candidature for the Tory leadership also include Work and Pensions Secretary Stephen Crabb, who backed Remain, and former Defence Secretary Liam Fox and Andrea Leadsom.

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First Published: Jun 30 2016 | 6:57 PM IST