'I take responsibility', UK PM Johnson says he understands voters' frustrations

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson looks on as he welcomes the Sultan of Oman, Haitham Bin Tarik Al Said, to 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, December 16, 2021. Frank Augstein/Pool via REUTERS

LONDON (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Friday he understood the frustrations of voters in North Shropshire and he accepted, and took responsibility for, their verdict when they ousted his Conservative Party from one of its strongholds.

"Clearly the vote in North Shropshire is a very disappointing result and I totally understand people's frustrations. I hear what the voters are saying in North Shropshire and in all humility I have got to accept that verdict," he told reporters.