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STORY: Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is quitting as a member of parliament, immediately.

In a statement on Friday he said, “I am being forced out by a tiny handful of people.”

Johnson had been fighting for his political life.

"Hasta la vista, baby!"

His premiership had been cut short last year partly by anger within his own party — and across the country — over COVID-rule breaking lockdown parties in his Downing Street office and home.

"And I want you to know how sad I am to be giving up the best job in the world. But them's the breaks."

A parliamentary inquiry was investigating whether he misled the House of Commons when he said all COVID-19 rules were followed.

If it found Johnson misled parliament recklessly or deliberately...

... it could turf him from parliament for more than 10 days.

That could have sparked an election for his seat.

Johnson said a letter form the committee made it clear that they were going to, quote, “use the proceedings against me to drive me out of parliament.”

He compared it to a kangaroo court.

"The buck stops here...."

Johnson’s resignation automatically sets in motion a by-election for his seat… but he didn’t close the door entirely on political life.

He said in his statement that he was sad to be leaving parliament… before adding… at least for now.