LONDON: After his historic reign, marked by COVID and Brexit, was cut short by controversy, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson formally tendered his resignation to Queen Elizabeth II on Tuesday. He then turned the reins over to Liz Truss.Johnson bids farewell from Downing Street before taking a jet to northeast Scotland to visit the 96-year-old monarch. Johnson was forced to resign after losing the support of scores of his ministers.
The transfer of power typically takes place quickly, with the outgoing and incoming leaders travelling only a short distance to central London’s Buckingham Palace.But Johnson and Truss must travel 1,600 kilometres (1,600 miles) round trip to the Scottish Highlands’ remote Balmoral retreat for the head of state.
Due to ongoing health issues that have made it difficult for her to walk and stand, the queen decided not to return from her yearly summer vacation in time for the brief ceremonial audience.According to authorities, Johnson is scheduled to arrive at Balmoral at 11:20 am (10:20 GMT), while Truss is scheduled to arrive at 12:10 pm.
She will urge Truss to form a government during the meeting, which should last for about 30 minutes. Truss is the head of the biggest party in parliament.
