Boris Johnson pulls out of race to become next UK Prime Minister
Boris Johnson has pulled out of the race to be the next UK prime minister, paving the way for Rishi Sunak to become prime minister.
The former prime minister gained the support of 59 conservative MPs, but he could not get the necessary 100 on board to return to the position of leading the UK.
Rishi Sunak is now the favourite to take over from Liz Truss, with 144 supporters.
READ MORE: World leaders react to Truss's historic departure
Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has stepped out of the race to become the next PM. 9News
The race for the next PM has come after Liz Truss announced her resignation less than seven weeks after taking office, setting her up to become the shortest-serving premier in the nation's history.
In a brief statement delivered outside her office at 10 Downing Street, Truss laid out the headwinds facing her leadership, from Russia's invasion of Ukraine to more general economic stability.
Bookmakers had made Johnson one of the favorites to win the contest for the next PM.
READ MORE: Liz Truss may receive huge pension despite just seven weeks in top job
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
