THURROCK MP Jackie Doyle-Price has delivered her verdict on the reign of Prime Minister Boris Johnson after the controversial leader finally fell on his sword and announced his pending resignation today (Thursday, 7 July).

Mr Johnson has gone through a turbulent and high controversial time and had steadfastly brushed aside criticisms of his personal integrity, policies and leadership but in the end the overwhelming number of resignations of members of his government forced his hand and he said he will be standing down when a successor is found.

Ms Doyle-Price, who has been critical of Mr Johnson in recent weeks, spoke about Mr Johnson and his leadership soon after he had made a speach announcing his resignation outside 10 Downing Street, where crowds gathered to catch the moment (see video).

She told Thurrock Nub News: "Today is an emotional end to a very turbulent period in our politics. 

"Boris Johnson is a very talented communicator and campaigner with a very clear determination to make Britain the best it can be. 

"I am very grateful to him for delivering Brexit and for emphasising the importance of levelling up communities. The investments being made by the Grays and Tilbury town Boards will be his legacy in Thurrock. 

"It is tragic that he his premiership has ended due to the bad behaviour of someone else. 

"However it is essential that no one looks away from incidents of sexual misconduct. The lack of honesty in respect of this and 'Partygate' was too much in the end for MPs who lost confidence in him as Prime Minister.

"The party, and indeed the nation will continue to hold Boris Johnson in great affection. I wish him well in future and in the meantime we must elect a new leader to unite our great nation."