Turkish villagers launch quixotic campaign to keep Boris Johnson as UK prime minister

CANKIRI, Türkiye

Residents of a Turkish village where outgoing British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has roots are rooting for him to retain the premiership.

The village of Kalfat in Cankiri, central Türkiye, which started a petition to retain the embattled premier, is the ancestral homeland of Ali Kemal, Johnson's great-grandfather.

"We always stand by Boris Johnson," is the slogan of the nationwide campaign launched by villagers who gathered on Sunday in front of the house where Johnson's forebears once lived.

Speaking on behalf of his fellow villagers, Sinan Karaagac said they have always supported Johnson.

"Having good relations with Türkiye during his time as prime minister, as well as his sincere dialogue with our president, shows that his ancestral land is precious to him," said Karaagac.

Saying that they would welcome Johnson visiting the village, he added: "Today, we show our support as his compatriots so that he doesn't leave office and continues his duties, which he did successfully."

On July 7, Johnson announced he was stepping down after his government faced a political firestorm of scandals and a wave of resignations.

Johnson said he will remain in office until his successor is in place, in a matter of weeks.