Johnson's brother quits as election campaign kicks off
(SOUNDBITE) (English) BRITISH PRIME MINISTER, BORIS JOHNSON, SAYING:
"We must come out of the EU on October 31st."
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson kicked off what is - in effect - an election campaign on Thursday (September 5).
But that was all overshadowed by a moment of family drama.
When the prime minister's brother resigned from the government, with a parting shot aimed at his younger sibling.
Jo Johnson said in a Tweet he was torn between 'family loyalty and the national interest'.
By resigning - he effectively told the nation he doesn't support his brother's Brexit plans, and the prospect of the UK leaving the EU without a deal.
All this just before Johnson had a chance to speak with U.S. Vice-President Mike Pence mid-afternoon.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) UK PRIME MINISTER, BORIS JOHNSON, SAYING:
"Jo doesn't agree with me about the European Union because it's an issue which divides families and divides everybody. But what I'm sure Jo would agree is that we need to get on and sort this thing out."
He may have lost the support of his brother, but Pence reassured the prime minister he was still backed by the Trump administration - and a president who's spoken fondly of Johnson.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. VICE PRESIDENT, MIKE PENCE, SAYING:
"I spoke to President Trump this morning, your friend, and he asked me to send you his very best greeting. And to assure you that the United States supports the United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union."
Johnson moved on to Yorkshire in north England after the Pence meeting.
In recent days, he's lost 21 MPs from his party, a majority in Parliament, and now the support of his brother.
He's cast an alliance of opposition parties trying to block a 'no-deal' Brexit - now set in law - as defeatists surrendering to the European Union.
An election now beckons for a divided nation.
Johnson will be hoping the British public buys into his ideas - or he could end up being the shortest-lived prime minister in history.
