European Union cheerleader Guy Verhofstadt has compared Boris Johnson to Donald Trump after the news that the Prime Minister is to resign as Tory Party leader.
Mr Johnson's expected resignation later today comes after mounting pressure to step down by Conservative MPs following the Chris Pincher scandal.
More than 50 Tory politicians have tendered their resignations in recent days, with many calling for Mr Johnson to step down in the process.
And after refusing to resign as Tory Party leader on Wednesday, it was confirmed that the PM would be stepping down on Thursday morning.
Guy Verhofstadt and Boris Johnson
WikiCommons/PA
Mr Verhofstadt posted a strongly worded message on Twitter this morning
Twitter
Reflecting on the news, MEP Mr Verhofstadt said Mr Johnson’s “reign ends in disgrace”, drawing comparisons between the PM and former US President Mr Trump.
In a tweet, Mr Verhofstadt said: “Boris Johnson's reign ends in disgrace, just like his friend Donald Trump.
“The end of an era of transatlantic populism? Let's hope so.
"EU-UK relations suffered hugely with Johnson's choice of Brexit. Things can only get better!”
Mr Johnson is expected to remain as Prime Minister until a successor is in place, which is due to be by the time of the Conservative Party conference in October.
A No.10 source said Mr Johnson spoke to Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the Conservative 1922 Committee, to inform him of his decision to step down.
They source said: “The Prime Minister has spoken to Graham Brady and agreed to stand down in time for a new leader to be in place by the conference in October.
Mr Johnson will make a statement later today confirming the decision.
