Boris Johnson rules himself out of UK Leadership race

In a surprise move Boris Johnson has officially ruled himself of the race for the leadership of Britain's conservative party.

It is after the fellow Brexit leave campaigner Michael Gove entered the race this morning and criticised Mr Johnson, saying he was not up to the job.

Earlier Theresa May launched her campaign saying she will work to retain the common travel area between Ireland and the UK.

Mr Johnson made the shock announcement at the end of a speech in which he was expected to confirm he was standing to be David Cameron's successor as Tory leader.

“Having consulted colleagues and in view of the circumstances in Parliament, I have concluded that person cannot be me.”

"That person cannot be me," @BorisJohnson rules himself out of #Toryleadership race https://t.co/K6pbNn362q https://t.co/fhkLY57nmh

— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) June 30, 2016