Boris Johnson sits in economy for flight back to UK – after telling an ally he will run to be PM again

Boris Johnson has been pictured by Sky News making his way back to the UK.

The former prime minister has been on holiday in the Dominican Republic but is set to return to London after telling an ally that he will run to lead the country again.

He is currently on a flight to the UK – and is flying back economy alongside his wife and children.

US correspondent Mark Stone is on the same flight, with the picture taken by Sky’s Michael Herd.

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Mr Johnson boarded the plane before everyone else, with his family, and there “was a mixed reaction – he was behind a glass area” and there were “a few boos, a few people just looking slightly bewildered”, although Mr Johnson wouldn’t have been able to hear them “because he was behind the glass”.

Mr Stone says: “I think there was an expectation by some of the holidaymakers here that he might be on the plane”.

“There was much speculation about how and where he would depart from, he’s been in the Dominican Republic for the last two weeks and much speculation about when he might return,” he added.

“He is sitting in economy, quite near the back of the plane, with his wife and children – one of his children climbing on top of him.

“He’s in a suit, his head forward, deep in thought, but moments before that one of his children was climbing on top of him – a family coming back from their holidays.”

It is not known if he was already due to return this evening or if he has cut his trip short.

‘I’m up for it… I’m going to do it’

Mr Johnson is returning just six weeks after he was asked to resign amid a series of cabinet scandals during his time in Downing Street.

It comes as Sir James Duddridge told Sky’s chief political correspondent Jon Craig that Mr Johnson is planning a second bid for Downing Street, saying he is “up for it” and “I’m going to do it, Dudders!”.

Speculation has been growing over whether the former prime minister will have another go at the top job.

He is currently one of three frontrunners in the race and has garnered the support of four cabinet ministers and is expected to officially throw his hat in the ring sometime on Saturday morning.

To have a chance at taking office again, he will need the backing of 100 Tory MPs.

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However, he would have to beat out former chancellor Rishi Sunak, whose campaign says has already topped the 100 MP threshold.

Earlier, a Johnson ally said the former prime minister has a “firm 67” nominations.