Boris Johnson, one of the most recognizable faces in British politics and champion of Britain's "Leave" campaign, was not, after all, going to lead the UK out of the European Union, into the brave new dawn of whatever it is that comes next.
Instead, faced by a challenge from his closest companion on the Brexit battle bus, the former London mayor opted to pick up his toys and go home.
It was the most shocking day in British politics since, well... last week.
The seven days since have been packed with more intrigue and plotting than a House of Cards box set, more turmoil and backstabbing than an entire season of Game of Thrones.
In short: It's chaos.
Britain's Prime Minister, David Cameron, quit within hours of the final Brexit results, leaving the Conservative party — already bitterly divided into "Leave" and "Remain" camps — in disarray.
Britain's Prime Minister, David Cameron, quit within hours of the final Brexit results, leaving the Conservative party — already bitterly divided into "Leave" and "Remain" camps — in disarray.
Cameron, who had campaigned for Britain to stay in the EU, said it would be up to his successor to work out what happened next and, as those with their eyes on 10 Downing Street jockeyed for position, the country was left none the wiser.
On the other side of the political divide, the Labour party was falling apart. Since the referendum, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has lost most of his top team, the support of the majority of MPs, and gained a vote of no confidence.
Things got so bad that even the outgoing PM told him to quit: "It might be in my party's interest for him to sit there. It's not in the national interest ... for heaven's sake man, go."
Read more on CNN.
Read more on CNN.
