Deep divisions resurfaced within the ruling Conservative Party of Britain on Saturday, following the sudden departure of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson from parliament.

Meanwhile, the opposition Labour Party sensed an opportunity leading up to the general election scheduled for next year, Reuters reported.

Johnson’s resignation came late on Friday, as a response to an investigation by lawmakers into his actions as prime minister during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The inquiry focused on instances of lockdown-breaking parties held at Downing Street.

In his resignation statement, Johnson vehemently criticized the inquiry, stating that it failed to produce any substantial evidence against him regarding the alleged misconduct.

He also directed criticism towards the current Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak.

With the Conservatives trailing significantly in opinion polls, Sunak’s party now faces the challenge of contesting three by-elections in constituencies that were vacated on Friday by Johnson and his ally Nadine Dorries, and on Saturday by Nigel Adams, a former minister in Johnson’s government.

Written by staff