LONDON >> Former U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson shocked Britain on Friday by quitting as a lawmaker after being told he will be sanctioned for misleading Parliament. He quit with a ferocious tirade at his political opponents — and at his successor, Rishi Sunak — that could blast open tensions within the governing Conservative Party.

Johnson quit after receiving the results of an investigation by lawmakers over misleading statements he made to Parliament about “partygate,” a series of rule-breaking government parties in the pandemic.

Johnson accused opponents of trying to drive him out — and hinted that he might try to return.

“It is very sad to be leaving Parliament — at least for now,” he said.

Johnson said he had “received a letter making it clear — much to my amazement — that they are determined to use the proceedings against me to drive me out of Parliament.”

— The Associated Press