LONDON, May 16 (Xinhua) -- Boris Johnson, Britain's former foreign secretary who also served as mayor of London, on Thursday confirmed his intention to run for the Conservative Party leadership after Theresa May steps down.

He made the announcement at a business event in Manchester, saying he is going to "go for it" to be a candidate.

"I don't think that is any particular secret to anybody," he said. "But you know, there is no vacancy at present."

Prime Minister May has promised to resign unless the House of Commons votes for her Brexit deal.

Several contenders, including International Development Secretary Rory Stewart and former Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey, have confirmed their intention to bid for the party leadership.

Amid the Brexit impasse, May held talks on Thursday with senior Tory MPs, who called on her to set a date for her departure from the prime minister's office.