‘We got on well’: Anthony Albanese wishes Boris Johnson well as he resigns

Anthony Albanese says he “got on quite well” with embattled Boris Johnson, who he says has been “forced out by his own party”.

Boris Johnson’s resignation will not affect Australia, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says.

Overnight, the embattled British Prime Minister announced he would step down once the Conservative party had decided on its new leader.

Mr Albanese said it was unfortunate Mr Johnson had been “forced out” by his own party, but it would not have an impact on Australia’s relationship with the UK.

Mr Albanese – who had presented Mr Johnson with a South Sydney Rabbitohs jersey just two weeks ago while in Madrid for the NATO Summit – said he wished his outgoing UK counterpart well.

“On a personal level, we got on quite well I have to say, and I certainly wish him well in his personal life for whatever he does in the future,” Mr Albanese told Channel 7.

“Australia and the United Kingdom … have close personal links, defence ties and close business ties and it is absolutely critical that that continue in a seamless fashion. I’m certain it will. Our countries are close.

“We will work with whoever the next UK prime minister is … Our relationship isn’t just one between individuals.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese presented Boris Johnson with a jacket from his beloved South Sydney Rabbitohs NRL rugby league team at their meeting in Madrid.

Mr Albanese said despite being on the opposite side of politics to Mr Johnson, the outgoing UK Prime Minister had been “very forward leaning” and had been instrumental in pressuring Russia to stop their war in Ukraine.

“He played a very good role in making sure that all of the NATO countries and others beyond were taking Russia on and calling it out and taking action to defend Ukraine,” Mr Albanese said.

Mr Albanese said he would be on the phone to congratulate the next UK prime minister as soon as they were elected and hoped it wouldn't be a tumultuous process.

Mr Albanese said he ‘got on quite well’ with Mr Johnson. Picture: Stefan Rousseau – WPA Pool/Getty Images

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said it was simply the “democratic process playing out”.

“Britain will maintain its government structure … It will continue to participate in all the international forums,” Mr Marles told the Nine Network.

“I don’t think really this has much impact in terms of those issues of stability.

“In terms of our relationship with the United Kingdom, it won’t be changed and I don’t think it really changes the UK’s relationship with Europe … Its place in NATO and all that will continue.”

Liberal senator Simon Birmingham said Mr Johnson would be remembered, from an Australian perspective, as the leader who sealed the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement.

“(He) brought us the AUKUS security pact and helped Australia out with Pfizer vaccines in the middle of the pandemic when we needed them,” Senator Birmingham told the Nine Network.

“He’s been a great friend to Australia, but no doubt the next UK Prime Minister will also be a great friend.”