Boris Johnson

His resignation will trigger an internal election to pick a new leader of the Conservative Party, who will also be the next prime minister. He steps down after defections left him unable to govern.

Historians in Italy compare Wednesday's events to the rise of fascism. "Violence is incompatible with the exercise of democratic rights and freedoms," Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said.

The Tories now have the biggest majority since Margaret Thatcher's win in 1987, all but ensuring the United Kingdom will exit the European Union in January.

It will be the third general election since 2015. The stakes are high, voters are weary and the two main candidates for prime minister are polarizing.

After the Supreme Court ruled against the prime minister, Johnson dared critics to call a no-confidence vote. The opposition countered with an election offer, so long as a Brexit delay is guaranteed.

The prime minister failed to garner the two-thirds of members necessary for an election he wanted to hold on Oct. 15.

The move would shorten the time lawmakers have to organize an opposition vote to a no-deal Brexit. But critics accuse the prime minister of circumventing the democratic process.