Boris Johnson resignation – what was in his letter to Theresa May and why did he resign?

BORIS Johnson dramatically quit as Foreign Secretary throwing Theresa May's Cabinet into turmoil.

Johnson blasted the PM's Brexit plans again, days after he likened her proposals to "turd". Here's what he said in his official statement...

What did Boris Johnson say in his official statement?

Boris said he was "proud" to serve in Theresa May's government and thanked the Met Police for looking after him and his family during "demanding circumstances".

But he blasted Theresa May for leading Britain to a "semi-Brexit".

Describing his "concerns" Boris said, "the Brexit dream is dying, suffocated by needless self-doubt".

He added: "Brexit should be about opportunity and hope.

"It should be a chance to do things differently.

"To be more nimble and dynamic, and to maximise the particular advantages of the UK as an open, outward-looking global economy."

What is the resignation letter in full?

Boris began his letter: "It is more than two years since the British people voted to leave the European Union on an unambiguous and categorical promise that if they did so they would be taking back control of their democracy."

He continued: "We have postponed crucial decisions - including the preparations for no deal, as I argued in my letter to you of last November - with the result that we appear to be heading for a semi-Brexit, with large parts of the economy still locked in the EU system, but with no UK control over that system."

He blasted the terms of Brexit saying "we are not actually going to be able to make our own laws".

He added: "Indeed we have gone backwards since the last Chequers meeting in February, when I described my frustrations, as Mayor of London, in trying to protect cyclists from juggernauts.

"We had wanted to lower cabin windows to improve visibility; and even though there had been a horrific spate of deaths, mainly of female cyclists,we were told that we had to wait for the EU to legislate on the matter."

He continued: "What is even more disturbing is that this is our opening bid.

"This is already how we see the end state for the UK — before the other side has made its counter-offer. "It is as though we are sending our vanguard into battle with the white flags fluttering above them. "Indeed, I was concerned, looking at Friday's document, that there might be further concessions on immigration, or that we might end up effectively paying for access to the single market."

And finally he said about the negotiations: "Since I cannot in all conscience champion these proposals, I have sadly concluded that I must go."

His final words were: "As I leave office, the FCO now has the largest and by far the most effective diplomatic network of any country in Europe - a continent which we will never leave."

Why has he resigned as Foreign Secretary?

Boris Johnson quit on July 9 over Prime Minister Theresa May's plan for Brexit.

Mrs May's bid is centred on remaining closely aligned to EU rules on manufactured goods.

Shortly after Mrs May revealed her plans at Chequers, Johnson backed the plans but later said his support for it was like "polishing a turd".