Summary

Barely one day after striking a defiant tone, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson told his nation Thursday he would resign his post later in the summer and stand down now as head of his party. It marks the beginning of the end of a chaotic, eventful premiership.

Five Facts

• Who was the former U.K. Health Minister?


• What office has Boris Johnson announced he would resign from?


• Which scandal provoked the recent exodus of cabinet ministers?


• What major political moves is Johnson credited with?


• How was Johnson constrained as the "caretaker Prime Minister"?

Focus Questions

Boris Johnson left behind a “messy legacy,” according to the PBS NewsHour clip. Why might the PBS newscaster in the video say that about him? What factors caused his legacy to be not quite straightforward?

Media literacy: The video begins by explaining scandals and events in England that have already happened. Why might it be important to educate the audience on events that have happened months ago in order to tell this story?

For More

Extension Activity: Have your students write in their notebooks all the factors that led to Boris Johnson’s resignation and predict which ones he will mention in his resignation speech. Watch the video and have them take notes, checking off the factors he does allude to. Have your students write a short response about whether the resignation speech surprised them.