British politician Boris Johnson, who campaigned to leave the European Union, says little about being snubbed by his biggest ally, Justice Secretary Michael Gove, who launched his own campaign to lead the conservative party, but calls Brexit a ''massive opportunity for Britain''. Rough Cut (no reporter narration).
Rough Cut (no reporter narration) Prominent Conservative parliamentarian Boris Johnson, long touted as the favorite to become the next British prime minister, said little on Friday (July 1) as he found himself withdrawing from the Party's leadership contest after his main ally Justice Secretary Michael Gove withdrew support for his candidacy and decided to run himself. After last week's vote to leave the European Union plunged Britain into its biggest political crisis of modern times, Prime Minister David Cameron said he would resign, prompting a leadership battle in the party. Gove, the justice secretary, dramatically shifted expectations of the contest on Thursday (June 30) when he put his name forward despite expectations that he would back Brexit campaign ally Johnson. Under the front page headline "Brexecuted", The Sun said Johnson, who after Gove's shock move announced he would not run, had gone from "Brexit hero to zero in a week." In an editorial, the newspaper praised both May and Gove. Five politicians, including new favorite Home Secretary Theresa May, are now vying to take leadership of the party. The first test comes on July 5 when the candidate with the least support in that vote will be eliminated, and the winner will be announced on Sept. 9.