Boris Johnson pulls out of race to become the next UK Prime Minister

Boris Johnson has pulled out of the Tory leadership contest and therefore has ruled himself out of governing the United Kingdom once again.

Sky News reports that Johnson had the public backing of 59 Tory MPs, falling well short of the 100 needed to proceed in the race.

Johnson said that he had hoped that he and former chancellor Rishi Sunak and fellow conservative Penny Mordaunt could come together and unite, but they have been unable to do so.

"I believe I am well placed to deliver a Conservative election victory in 2024," Johnson said.

"In the last days I have sadly come to the conclusion that this would simply not be the right thing to do."

He added: "You can't govern effectively unless you have a united party in parliament."

This leaves the race open for former chancellor Rishi Sunak who leads nominations among Tory MPs, with 144 supporters.

Ever since Liz Truss sensationally announced she was resigning as PM, there were rumblings in British politics about a possible Johnson comeback.

Trade minister Sir James Duddridge appeared to confirm the news late last week.

Sir James told the PA news agency: “I’ve been in contact with the boss via WhatsApp.

“He’s going to fly back. He said, ‘I’m flying back, Dudders. We are going to do this. I’m up for it’.”

Sir James didn't think Johnson would have a problem in securing the support of 100 MPs for the leadership contest.

He also said that Johnson has 'learned and reflected' during his time out of office, and says he recognises he needs a 'slicker' operation that has 'command of the details'.

Truss announced last Thursday (20 October) that she was going to be resigning from the top job just 44 days after entering Downing Street, making hers the shortest time in office as Prime Minister in British history.

She will stay in office for a few more days while the Conservative party sorts out who will be the next leader and prime minister.

It is believed there will be a new prime minister in place before the fiscal statement on October 31.