Theresa May chose not to join in with the Conservative Party ovation for Boris Johnson after the outgoing Prime Minister’s final Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) as leader.
Mr Johnson signed off his final PMQs earlier today, while also giving advice to the next Tory Party leader.
The outgoing Prime Minister received a standing ovation from the Conservative benches after concluding his final remarks, although his predecessor Ms May did not join in with the applause.
Ms May remained seated for several seconds as other MPs stood to applaud Mr Johnson, before she eventually stood.
Mr Johnson received pats on the back from loyalist MPs as he exited the chamber.
Theresa May didn't clap Boris Johnson in the Commons earlier today
GB News/House of Commons
The Prime Minister, in his final answer from the despatch box, told MPs: “I want to use the last few seconds to give some words of advice to my successor, whoever he or she may be.
“Number one, stay close to the Americans, stick up for the Ukrainians, stick up for freedom and democracy everywhere.
“Cut taxes and de-regulation wherever you can and make this the greatest place to live and invest, which it is.
“I love the Treasury but remember that if we’d always listened to the Treasury we wouldn’t have built the M25 or the Channel Tunnel.
Boris Johnson
House of Commons
“Focus on the road ahead, but always remember to check the rear-view mirror.
“And remember above all it’s not Twitter that counts, it’s the people who sent us here.”
Mr Johnson added: “The last few years have been the greatest privilege of my life, and it’s true that I helped to get the biggest Tory majority for 40 years and a huge realignment in UK politics.
“We’ve transformed our democracy and restored our national independence.
“I’ve helped to get this country through a pandemic and helped save another country from barbarism, and frankly that’s enough to be going on with.
“Mission largely accomplished, for now.”
He thanked his staff and MPs before giving a nod to Schwarzenegger’s Terminator character by adding: “Hasta la vista, baby. Thank you.”
