The resignation of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has reignited old divisions within Britain's ruling Conservative Party, while the opposition Labour Party sees an opportunity in the run-up

to next year's general election.

Late on Friday, Johnson abruptly ended his 22-year political career, protesting against an investigation into his conduct as prime minister during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly regarding lockdown-breaking parties held at Downing Street.

In his resignation statement, Johnson criticized the inquiry into whether he misled the House of Commons about these gatherings and also took a swipe at current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Conservative lawmakers loyal to Johnson, some of whom were granted political honors by him shortly before his resignation, expressed support for his record on social media. Others remained silent.

Lawmaker Andrea Jenkyns wrote in a Conservative Party WhatsApp group, as shared by a Sky News reporter, "Well done Rishi for starting this nonsense!!" Jenkyns received the honorary title of Dame from Johnson on Friday, a privilege often granted by outgoing prime ministers.

Johnson's premiership was marred by controversy, including anger within his own party and the country over COVID rule-breaking parties at Downing Street. Johnson asserted that the investigating committee had not found any evidence against him.

Veteran Conservative lawmaker John Redwood stated on Saturday, "Sunak supporters used resignations to drive Boris and his supporters from office," referring to Sunak's decision to resign from Johnson's administration last year. Redwood added, "To prevent further resignations from parliament, the PM must take the party in a direction that more MPs support and utilize its talent."

Johnson's departure from parliament, alongside the resignation of his ally Nadine Dorries, has triggered by-elections in two Conservative-held constituencies that Sunak must now defend.

The opposition Labour Party, which currently enjoys a significant lead over Sunak's Conservatives in opinion polls, sees this as a chance to capitalize on the situation.

Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner stated in an interview with the BBC, "We will be fighting to win in those constituencies. They've created a by-election because both of them (Johnson and Dorries) have thrown their toys out of the pram."

Johnson's decision to resign may mark the end of his 22-year political career, during which he rose from being a member of parliament to the mayor of London, ultimately playing a pivotal role in tipping the scales in favor of Brexit during the 2016 European Union referendum.

Ed Davey, the leader of the opposition Liberal Democrats, commented that Johnson jumped before he was pushed. Davey added, "He was never fit to be an MP, let alone the Prime Minister of our great country." Photo by UK Government, Wikimedia commons.