Boris Johnson: The Prime Minister has agreed to stand down

It's over

Boris Johnson has agreed to stand down as prime minister, but wants to stay on until the Autumn. Speaking to the chair of the 1922 Committee on Thursday morning, he agreed it would be appropriate to step aside and allow the Conservatives to choose a new leader before conference season this Autumn. It's understood that Johnson will address the nation before midday following a statement issued by Downing Street that read:  "The prime minister will make a statement to the country today." By 9am on Thursday, there had been 27 ministerial resignations in total - five at cabinet level, and 22 at below cabinet level.

In addition, one other minister, Michael Gove, had been sacked as levelling up secretary, taking the total number of ministerial departures to 28.

In both the Levelling up and Education departments, not one minister remained.

Boris Johnson’s resignation means the Conservative leadership contest has now officially begun.

Speaking on the Today programme this morning Suella Braverman, the attorney general, and Steve Baker, the former Brexit minister, have both thrown their hats into the ring for the job.

A heated debate has sparked within the Conservative party about whether it would be appropriate for Boris Johnson to remain in office until the autumn. It's understood Johnson is hoping to stay on as prime minister until a new leader has been chosen to govern the country.

This is a breaking news story and is being updated...