All eyes are on Downing Street this week as Boris Johnson finally announced he would quit as Conservative Party leader and Prime Minister after days of chaos and a flurry of government resignations. Pressure had been piled on the PM after more than 50 ministers quit in the space of 48 hours, including former Chancellor Rishi Sunak and former health secretary Sajid Javid.
Delivering his resignation speech from outside Downing Street on Thursday, Mr Johnson spoke of his disappointment at being forced from office. He added that the timetable for choosing a new Prime Minister will be announced next week and he would stay on until that leader was chosen.
The outgoing Prime Minister described his departure as a result of "herd instinct". He listed achievements he said he was immensely proud of, including Brexit, helping Ukraine and helping the UK through the pandemic.
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The huge news from Downing Street has understandably prompted discussion and debate around the UK, including Wales. Political commentators have analysed his relationship with Wales, saying it has "long been tinged with contempt" but the departure of the PM has also been a major talking point on social media.
Many people responded to WalesOnline 's coverage of Mr Johnson's resignation with their own views on the matter. There was both celebration and disappointment but one common theme that came through was that many felt Mr Johnson had been "stabbed in the back".
"He has been let down by his back stabbing idiots," wrote Tracey Johns. "So very sad to hear this news," she said. "There is no one else in the party fit to replace him. Sad day for this country."
David Edwards said the PM had been "stabbed in the back by a gutless bloody pack". He added: "[They] pretend to be his friend and betray him in the end." Lesley Dawn Brown added: "This is a very sad day for the country." Madeleine Davies wrote: "So sorry to see Boris go," while Vivian Poolton added: "He has been let down big time."
Hundreds of people however commented on posts saying that the news had been "a long time coming". Some even wrote their own goodbye messages to the outgoing PM, telling him "shut the door on your way out".
Tracey Mullins said she was "so glad" to see Mr Johnson resign. "He thought it was OK partying when I was not allowed to visit my poor mum in a care home," she added. "Shambles!!" Irene Heywood added: "Just go. You are totally unworthy of the position of Prime Minister".
Lillian Harris said: "His incompetence, arrogance, lies and shameless behaviour have finally been his undoing, not before time," while Belinda Newtom wrote: "Good riddance, it's been a very long time coming." Julie Froggatt agreed, commenting: "Bye Boris and bloody good riddance," as Karen Rees said "Ta ra" to the PM, adding: " Shut the door on your way out."
Others were in a celebratory mood, with Linda Owen writing: "Hooray, he is out. Hooray, let's all have a party now," while Price Brian John said it was "time for a massive street party". Meanwhile, Rosemary Ivy Gillian Cole was reflecting on what Mr Johnson would do now that he has resigned, remarking: "Maybe he will now have time to comb his hair".
On the other side of the debate, Martin Ward said that Mr Johnson's resignation was "terrible news" adding: "He achieved such a lot." Mathew Crossman agreed, writing: "I think he has done a fantastic job taking us through the pandemic. It wasn't a easy job and nobody else could have done it better. He deserved a party after what he has done."
A common theme throughout many of the comments was concern about the future. Not only was this centred around the possibility of Mr Johnson remaining in Downing Street as caretaker for another three months, others expressed their worries about who would replace him and what impact - if any - that may have on issues facing the country.
Steven Thomas wrote: "Leaving him in No. 10 is irresponsible. This is the man who illegally prorogued Parliament, who has broken his own laws and every rule in the book. He's got plenty of stunts left in him. He needs to be gone." Alex Lambourne agreed and suggested that someone else should take over in the interim, adding: "He could do lots of damage by October".
Cathie Xom claimed that Mr Johnson was simply "kicking the can down the road". She wrote: "He needs to ask the Queen to accept his resignation which he probably won't do for months. He could be very vindictive and damaging if he stays until a new leader is decided."
Some held out hope for a better replacement, with Kay Cartwright writing: "Hope the next PM is less of an embarrassment and more honest. It’ll be a refreshing change. I know that’s like asking for the moon though!" However, others were less optimistic and instead claimed that "they're all the same."
Lee Bettinson wrote: "Don't matter who is in power, every party is the same. They make promises to get in power then never keep them." Daniel Anthony John agreed, writing: "It really makes no difference who gets the job, just another chapter to the circus," while Peter William McManus added: "The next PM will also destroy the country. It doesn't matter who takes over. They're all the same."
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