Ex-London mayor Boris Johnson caused a stir Thursday when he announced that he will not run to be the next leader of the Conservative Party and British prime minister.
Johnson, a popular politician considered a frontrunner, told a roomful of shocked journalists and supporters he will not seek to replace British Prime Minister David Cameron, who announced Friday that he will step down, one day after the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union, known as Brexit.
The move came after Justice Secretary Michael Gove, who worked with Johnson to spearhead the Brexit campaign, surprised many by announcing his own candidacy for the position Thursday morning and renouncing his support for Johnson.
"I have come, reluctantly, to the conclusion that Boris cannot provide the leadership or build the team for the task ahead," Gove said.
Home Secretary Theresa May also said she is running for the Conservative Party leadership. She is considered a favorite to replace Cameron and campaigned for Britain to remain in the EU but promised to listen to the will of British voters.
"Brexit means Brexit," she said at a news conference. "The United Kingdom will leave the EU."
Johnson, 52, said in a speech in London billed as a campaign launch that he does not believe he can provide the necessary leadership that the country needs.
"I must tell you, my friends, you who have waited faithfully for the punchline of this speech, that having consulted colleagues and in view of the circumstances in parliament, I have concluded that person cannot be me," Johnson said at a London luxury hotel.
The referendum last week that led to Britain’s exit from the EU has upended British politics, with Cameron announcing his resignation because he does not believe he is the right person to move the country forward after campaigning hard for the "Remain" movement.
Work and Pensions Secretary Stephen Crabb, Energy Minister Andrea Leadsom, and former defense secretary Liam Fox are also in the race to lead the conservative Tory party.
Conservative lawmakers will choose two finalists to go head-to-head in a postal ballot vote by party members. The winner will be announced on Sept. 9, and charged with leading Britain’s split from the EU after its 43-year membership in the bloc.
Brexit has also affected the Labour Party’s leadership makeup, with leader Jeremy Corbyn facing increased pressure to step down after losing a confidence vote. Party member Angela Eagle has launched a formal challenge to oust Corbyn from his post.