In pictures: Boris Johnson
- Published
The 52-year-old former London mayor has spent more than a decade combining his political roles with an unkempt, humorous persona.
The MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip campaigned fiercely for the UK to leave the EU in the referendum.
His decision to campaign for Britain to vote out was seen as a huge boost for the Leave campaign.
Mr Johnson was elected London mayor in 2008, beating Labour's Ken Livingstone. It was the Tories' first high-profile election success since before Tony Blair's triumphant entry into Downing Street in 1997.
Days after his victory he banned alcohol consumption on public transport. A keen cyclist himself, he launched a central London bicycle hire scheme, known colloquially as "Boris bikes", and ditched the "bendy bus" in favour of a new generation of double-deckers.
The introduction of cycle superhighways were another legacy of Mr Johnson's time running Britain's capital.
He also flew the flag for London as it hosted the 2012 Olympic Games.
Never far from a photo opportunity he is renowned for his witty speeches and lack of PR polish. He once became caught on a zipwire, to the delight of photographers.
Prime Minister David Cameron said he was delighted when his fellow old-Etonian ran for Parliament again in 2015.
But relations with Mr Cameron may have soured over the campaign and long held rumours that Mr Johnson harboured an ambition to be prime minister resurfaced.
At a speech in London - billed as his campaign launch - Mr Johnson ruled himself out of the leadership contest, saying he did not believe he could provide the leadership or unity the party needed.
- Published21 February 2016
- Published30 June 2016
