Boris Johnson has announced he is standing down as British Prime Minister following resignations of more than 50 members of his government.

The embattled politician delivered a speech outside his official Downing Street residence overnight, bowing to calls from ministerial colleagues and lawmakers in his Conservative Party.

He focused on his career achievements but noted he had tried to convince his colleagues in recent days a change of government “would be eccentric”.

“I want you to know how sad I am to be giving up the best job in the world. But them’s the breaks.”

Hear the latest from UK correspondent Enda Brady.