Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson, left, will replace Theresa M. May, right, as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Photo: AFP

British finance minister Philip A. Hammond, left, and Justice Secretary David M. Gauke, right, had vowed to quit the United Kingdom government if Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson became prime minister. Photo: Independent

Johnson will replace Theresa M. May, who announced her resignation as Prime Minister in June 2019 after Parliament repeatedly rejected the withdrawal agreement she struck with the 28-nation bloc, leaving Britain stranded in Brexit limbo.

The UK had proposed to leave the EU in March 2019 and the exodus is now long overdue.

Johnson; however, has promised to lead Britain out of the European Union with or without a deal by October 31, 2019.

According to the Associated Press today, July 23, 2019, Johnson’s victory catapults the United Kingdom towards a Brexit showdown with the EU and towards a constitutional crisis at home, as British lawmakers have vowed to bring down any government that tries to leave the bloc without a divorce deal.

The 2016 Brexit referendum showed a United Kingdom divided about much more than the European Union, and has fuelled soul-searching about everything from regional secession and immigration to capitalism, the legacy of empire, and modern Britishness.

Brexit, which has already toppled two Conservative prime ministers, will dominate.

Johnson, the face of the 2016 Brexit referendum, won the votes of 92,153 members of the Conservative party, to 46,656 for his rival, Foreign Secretary Jeremy R.S. Hunt.

“I say to all the doubters: ‘Dude, we are going to energize the country, we are going to get Brexit done,’” said Johnson, a former London mayor and British foreign secretary.

According to Reuters, it is a step that many investors and economists say would send shock waves through world markets and tip the world’s fifth largest economy into recession or even chaos.

A Brexit without a divorce deal would also weaken London’s position as the pre-eminent international financial centre while jolting the northern European economy.

The EU is adamant that the deal with May will stand, saying Britain has to take it or leave it.

Johnson up against fierce opposition

Meanwhile, British finance minister Philip A. Hammond said Sunday, July 21, 2019 he would make a point of resigning before Johnson became prime minister, saying he could never agree to his Brexit strategy.

Observers have said a resignation by Hammond, who has become an increasingly fierce critic of Johnson's approach, would show the depth of opposition Johnson may find himself up against as PM.

Justice Secretary David M. Gauke also said Sunday he would quit the government if Johnson became prime minister.

Johnson is expected to take office on Wednesday, July 24, 2019.

Meanwhile, Theresa M. May will answer questions in parliament as prime minister for the final time at midday on Wednesday before heading to Buckingham Palace to tender her resignation to Queen Elizabeth II, the head of state.

The sovereign will then invite the new Conservative leader to form an administration.