A number of charity supporters are now in contention to take on the top job

An English charity patron and trustee has resigned as prime minister after nearly three years in charge of government. 

Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson, most commonly known as Boris Johnson, headed up the Conservative government since July 2019. 

Mr Johnson has been a patron of the Hillingdon Brain Tumour Group since 2015, with the charity reporting that he has taken an active interest in the workings of the group. 

The charity’s website states: “Boris is a very active patron of the charity. His interest in and understanding of the diversity of brain tumours and injuries is paramount to our cause. Boris advocates on our behalf and is always willing to assist the charity in promoting awareness of diagnosis, treatment and aftercare.”

The charity patron also holds roles with Downside Up, a Russian-linked foundation, as well as voluntary organisation The Iris Project. 

Earlier this year it was confirmed that the Charity Commission has opened a compliance case into Downside Up. 

Speaking during his resignation, Mr Johnson said it was “clearly the will of the parliamentary Conservative Party” that there should be a new leader of both the party and the government. 

During a vote of thanks to those who had supported him during his tenure outside the prime minister’s residence in London, he accepted that he must now leave office, adding: “Them's the breaks.”

Mr Johnson is well-known for his involvement with and support of charities. 

In 2021, it was reported that Mr Johnson tried to set up a charity that could fund a revamp of his ministerial flat in London. 

Claims last month also suggest the charity patron and politician instructed his top civil servant to contact a royal charity to discuss a paid job for his wife Carrie.

In 2006, during his first spell as an MP, Mr Johnson made headlines after rugby-tackling a former footballer during a charity match. 

He confirmed he will continue in office until a new leader is in place, thanking Conservative voters for backing him in 2019. 

Favourites to replace Mr Johnson include MP Rishi Sunak. The multi-millionaire confirmed earlier this year that he would be donating £400 from an energy rebate to charity, and urged other wealthy individuals to do the same. 

Mr Sunak also holds roles the National Osteoporosis Support Group (Hambleton and Richmondshire), Leyburn Brass Band and the Wensleydale Wheels. 

Another favourite for the top job is patron of the Primrose Hospice charity, Sajid Javid MP, and patron of old age care charity, Kissing It Better, Nadim Zahawi - who has served as Chancellor since Tuesday evening. 

Penny Mordaunt, a trustee of the Wymering Manor Trust, ambassador with Forgotten Veterans UK and patron of the Music Man Project, is among those who are expected to run for office alongside her charity work.

Others reportedly in contention, MPs Liz Truss and Ben Wallace, do not currently hold any formal roles within UK charities.