Boris Johnson raises prospect of early exit as British prime minister

Johnson told MPs he would be leaving office 'with my head held high'

Prime Minister Boris Johnson departs 10 Downing Street. Picture: PA

The Tory leadership race may not go the distance and Boris Johnson’s term in No 10 may end before the expected September conclusion of the contest, the British prime minister has indicated.

At what might be his final Prime Minister’s Questions, Mr Johnson suggested his successor could be chosen “by acclamation” rather than requiring the planned vote.