CFI hail Boris Johnson’s ‘unwavering friendship and support’ as he resigns as PM
Conservative Friends of Israel group issue statement thanking Boris Johnson as he resigns, saying he has been 'resolute in his support of the State of Israel and the UK’s Jewish community'
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
The Conservative Friends of Israel group have thanked Boris Johnson for his “unwavering friendship and support” as the Prime Minister resigned as leader on Thursday.
In a speech delivered outside Number 10 Downing Street, Johnson admitted “no one is remotely indispensable”, and said he is “sad” to be giving up “best job in world.”
A statement from CFI’s Parliamentary Chairmen and Directors issued moments after the PM departed, said:” Boris Johnson has been resolute in his support of the State of Israel and the UK’s Jewish community.
“From announcing legislation to tackle pernicious boycotts of Israel to proscribing the Hamas terror group in its entirety, Boris Johnson has stood up for Israel at every turn.
“The UK-Israel relationship is stronger than ever before and, under his leadership, the UK Government has opposed antisemitism in all its forms and wherever it occurs. His resounding victory over Jeremy Corbyn in 2019 was a pivotal moment in our country’s history and for the UK’s Jewish community.”
In his resignation speech Johnson said:”I felt it was my job, my duty, my obligation to do what we promised in 2019.”
The departing PM added he was “immensely proud of the achievements of this government”, pointing towards finalising Brexit, its handling of the pandemic, and the roll our of vaccines, adding it was “painful not to see it through”.
He also pledged to the people of Ukraine: “I know that we in the UK will continue to back your fight for freedom for as long as it takes.”
But he also suggested the Tory MPs who had sought to replace him were “eccentric” in the decision, and spoke of the “herd instinct” that he said existed in Westminster.
The departing PM thanked his wife wife Carrie and his family, and the civil servant and staff who have helped him, while he was PM.
The Tory Party will now hold a leadership contest to decide Johnson’s replacement. But it is unclear how the party will be led until the contest is concluded in October.
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