The British government is in a state of limbo. Boris Johnson announced he will step down as UK prime minister  - when a replacement is elected as Conservative Party leader.

A spokesperson for Johnson stated that the government will now solely focus on delivering pre-agreed policy rather than making any significant economic announcements. 

The spokesperson said that Westminster would still be a "responsible government" with the ability to react to sudden events like a significant worsening of the economy. 

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Despite these assurances, many remain unconvinced. 

Johnson has faced widespread demands to step down immediately, so the country can maintain a functioning government. Others, sections of the Conservative party along with some right-wing newspapers, are backing him to remain in office until a replacement is found. 

'Treading water'

Alistair Jones, an Associate Professor of Politics at De Montfort University in the UK, told CGTN Europe the UK could be without effective "political leadership" until September. 

Through the UK's nearly half a million strong civil service, Jones notes the administration will continue to work on existing policies regardless of the situation in Downing Street. 

But, Jones adds, Britain now has a "government that is basically treading water." 

"There's no political leadership in the civil service perspective… In Ukraine, the UK will carry on doing what it's doing and supporting Ukraine against Russia. If there are any plans for NATO to be more proactive, the UK government won't be able to respond."

"So big calls like those, nothing can be done, nothing will be done. And if Johnson was to try to do anything like that, then all hell breaks loose."

'Unwise and maybe unsustainable'

Johnson, who less than three years ago won an election with a large majority, was brought down by scandals including breaches of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown rules, the funding of a luxury renovation of his official residence, and the appointment of a minister who had been accused of sexual misconduct.

In his speech to the country announcing his exit, Johnson did not use the word 'resign' or 'resignation' and described his forced departure as "eccentric." 

The lack of clarity on his position has prompted former Conservative prime minister John Major to say Johnson should leave now, stating it was "unwise and maybe unsustainable" for him to remain in office where he could still exert its powers.

"To allow a prime minister, whose own ministers have just resigned en masse with no confidence in his leadership, to remain in place cannot be in the national interest," the Times newspaper said in its editorial.

Jones notes that the decision may not even be Johnson's to make. "Fifty-plus resignations and one sacking… the backbench Conservatives may not want him to carry on. So we have a situation where we've got a prime minister and party leader who is deeply unpopular with most of his MPs."

What needs doing? 

Whoever replaces Johnson will be faced with a daunting inbox. 

Britain's economy is facing rocketing inflation, high debt, and low growth, with people coping with the tightest squeeze on their finances in decades, all set against a backdrop of an energy crunch exacerbated by the conflict in Ukraine, which has sent fuel prices soaring.

There is also growing industrial unrest with widespread strikes by rail workers, while others, including teachers and healthcare staff, also threatening walkouts.

Despite his 2019 election triumph characterized by his vow to "get Brexit done," Britain remains in a bitter standoff with the European Union over trade rules for Northern Ireland. 

Furthermore, with Westminster in limbo, negotiations will now remain at a standstill,

"Renegotiating any aspects of the Northern Ireland Protocol is not going to happen until September," Jones says. 

The Daily Telegraph, a former employer of Johnson, laid out the challenges ahead. "Whatever the party decides to do next, it needs to do it quickly," read its editorial. "The country will not understand or forgive a protracted leadership contest in the middle of an economic crisis and with a threat of a wider war in Europe ever-present."