“We are facing pressure on the cost of living,” Mr Johnson added. “We are seeing spikes in fuel prices, energy costs, food costs that are affecting everyone. We have to realize that there is more work to be done and we will certainly do it.
Later, challenged about his own responsibility for the two losses, Mr Johnson replied: “Honestly, I don’t think the way forward in British politics is to focus on issues of character, whether it’s mine or someone else’s.”
Rishi Sunak, the chancellor of the Exchequer, offered to support the prime minister, repeating his explanation of the failure and taking some errors. “We are all accountable for the outcome and I am determined to continue working to address the cost of living.” he wrote on Twitter.
Mr Sunak has been seen as a potential successor to Mr Johnson until his popularity plummeted this yearand – although other senior ministers have remained remarkably silent – his statement suggests a coordinated cabinet move against the prime minister is unlikely.
However, a senior Conservative Party figure, Michael Howard, has called for the resignation of a prime minister now seen by many as electoral responsibility. “The party, and more importantly the country, will be better off under the new leadership,” Mr Howard, a former Tory leader, told the BBC, adding, “Cabinet members should consider the options very carefully. their position.”
And Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, a senior Conservative lawmaker, said Mr Johnson could still be removed by a cabinet revolt or if the rule protected him from a vote of no confidence. other in a year is changed. “There’s going to be a lot of conversation going on next week,” he told Times Radio, “and we’ll have to see what happens.”
