Former UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has announced his immediate resignation as a Member of Parliament, leading to a by-election in his closely contested constituency.

Al Jazeera reports that Johnson’s political future was at stake due to a parliamentary inquiry investigating whether he provided misleading information to the House of Commons regarding adherence to COVID-19 rules.

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In a statement, Johnson expressed sadness at leaving parliament but criticized a “tiny handful of people” without evidence who compelled his departure.

The privileges committee, which could have suspended Johnson for more than 10 days if found guilty of deliberately or recklessly misleading parliament, was accused of bias by the former prime minister.

Johnson also used the opportunity to criticize Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and urged the party to regain momentum.