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In an unexpected move, Boris Johnson formally pulled out of the Conservative Party leadership contest and therefore Britain's next Prime Minister, despite reports he would be running less than an hour earlier.

The Uxbridge and South Ruislip MP had been tipped by bookies be the natural successor since the country voted to leave the European Union, a campaign spearheaded by Boris and Nigel Farage.

In a short speech following Prime Minister David Cameron's resignation, he did not mention his next steps - but during the campaign, was accused of using it to propel his own career forwards by several key Remain figures.

However, addressing supported on Thursday (June 30), Boris announced it was not the right time to put himself forward.

Whoever wins the Tory leadership will automatically be moved to Downing Street on September 9.

The decision not to run for leadership came after several other candidates formally announced their ambitions to run the country - including perhaps crucially Michael Gove on Thursday morning.

Although Chancellor George Osborne clearly stated he would not be running for Tory leadership, others, including Gove announced they will hedge their bets to try and win over voters to take the helm.

With all nominations needing to be in by noon on Thursday (June 30), getwestlondon will bring you the latest news and speculation around our west London MP.

That's all from Boris watching (today)

As we round off today’s Boris blog, be sure to recap on all the day’s events - and there will no doubt be plenty more to come from our west London MP

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Angry messages from celebrities pour in through Twitter at Boris' exit from leadership race

But most astonishingly of them all:

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"Bottle job Boris": West Londoners react to their MP pulling out of the Tory leadership contest

Londoners from across the west London boroughs have reacted to the news that the popular MP will not be running in the Tory party leadership contest.

Despite stressing in his speech that Brexit was the best decision for the country, he emphasised how he did not believe he was the correct person to make the new negotations.

Some scoffed at the news of Boris pulling out, despite many claiming he had an interest to become Prime Minister, calling him “bottle job Boris”.

Others expressed their shock at the U-turn, claiming it was a certainty he would be in the running.

Many criticised the former Mayor of London, saying despite leading the leave campaign, he now no longer wanted to run a Brexit Britain.

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Watch Boris' speech as he announces he is not running to be Conservative Party leader

Boris Johnson has said he will run in the Tory party leadership to become Britain’s next Prime Minister in a shock move that has astonished Westminster .

In a speech on Thursday (June 30), he announced: “Having consulted colleagues and in view of the circumstances in Parliament, I have concluded that person cannot be me.

“My role will be to give every possible support to the next Conservative administration, to make sure we properly fill the mandate of the people that was delivered at the referendum and to champion the agenda I believe in.”

Despite the bookies tipping off Boris as the favourite , the former Mayor of London is now no longer in the race, a rumour that had been mentioned earlier in the morning, before being quickly dismissed.

A key figure in the Leave campaign during the European Union, Boris was seen by many political figures to be the natural successor after the country voted to leave in the historical referendum .

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OFFICIAL nominations announced for Conservative Party leadership

The official people announced for the Conservative party leadership by Chairman Graham Brady of the 1922 commitee are:

Theresa May

Michael Gove

Stephen Crabb

Liam Fox

Andrea Leadsom

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Boris NOT running to become next Tory leader

Boris Johnson has said he will not be running in the Tory party leadership

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"This is our chance to assert our values, where we value everyone equally no matter where you were born"

The former Mayor alluded to his “successes” during his time at City Hall and said: “I’m proud to say when I left office last month, there was 44,000 sites under construction more than any other time in the history of London.

“I will not pretend that everything has been rosy..but everytime we have bounced back and gone strength to strength.

Referring to the Brexit vote he added: “This is our chance to assert our values...where we value everyone equally no matter where you were born...you are all part of our Great British family.”

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Boris delivers speech: This is not a crisis, but "a moment for hope"

Speaking to an audience in Central London, the west London MP said: “Last week the people of this country voted to take a new path for the country.

“It is vital now to see this moment for what it is.

“This is not a time to quail, it is not a crisis, nor should we see it as an excuse for wobbling and self doubt, but as a moment for hope.”

He added: “This is our chance, to build a Britain not just with a dynamic free market economy but an economy where everyone benefits from the success.”

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WATCH LIVE: Boris Johnson makes candidacy speech in London

Take a look at Boris Johnson speak on his candidacy LIVE on this video below.

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Michael Goves wife raised concerns around Boris' leadership

In an email leaked to Sky News, the Justice Secretary’s wife Sarah Vine urged Mr Gove to seek specific assurances about his role in any Cabinet led by Mr Johnson before offering his support.

In the personal email, which accidentally copied in another person, she wrote: “Very important that we focus on the individual obstacles and thoroughly overcome them before moving to the next. I really think Michael needs to have a Henry or a Beth (Mr Gove’s media advisers, also copied into the email) with him for this morning’s crucial meetings.

“One simple message: You MUST have SPECIFIC assurances from Boris OTHERWISE you cannot guarantee your support. The details can be worked out later on, but without that you have no leverage.

“Crucially, the membership will not have the necessary reassurance to back Boris, neither will (Daily Mail editor Paul) Dacre/(Rupert) Murdoch, who instinctively dislike Boris but trust your ability enough to support a Boris Gove ticket.

“Do not concede any ground. Be your stubborn best.

“GOOD LUCK.”

The message flags up that perhaps Gove has not been entirely backing Boris, or indeed trust him in the lead up to this moment.

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Who has entered the Tory party leadership contest so far?

One of history’s longest serving home secretarys, Theresa May, former Welsh secretary Stephen Crabb and justice secretary Michael Gove have all formally announced they will be throwing their name into the hat to become the new Conservative party leader.


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What time will Boris be making a speech and what can we expect?

The west London MP is expected to formally enter the Tory leadership race at 11.30am, just half an hour before entries formally close for those wishing to run.

In his speech announcing his plans, Boris is expected to place Brexit at the heart of his “optimistic vision” for the country.

It is also said he will urge the British people to “believe in ourselves and the values of our country”, following the country’s decision to leave the European Union.

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Rumours Boris is pulling out the race "not true"

Several media reports have confirmed that our Uxbridge and South Ruislip MP will not be pulling out of the Tory leadership race after all.

ITV political reporter Robert Peston reported: “So Boris Johnson has decided not to pull out of contest.”

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Boris may pull out of Conservative leadership

Rumours from broadcasters have said there is a chance Boris Johnson may pull out of the race to become Britain’s next Prime Minister.

The ITV political editor added the information is “TBC”.

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