In a speech in Parliament on Thursday, less than 100 days before the nation is expected to crash out of the E.U., Mr. Johnson outlined tough Brexit demands, including the “abolition” of a so-called “backstop” plan that would have allowed goods to flow freely across the Irish border.

Both moves appeared intended to send one message to the E.U.: He is serious about leaving without a deal if necessary.

Impact: Mr. Johnson’s ejection of so many members of Mrs. May’s team frees them up to openly oppose a no-deal Brexit. And Mr. Johnson seems willing to call a general election this fall if Parliament tries to block a no-deal Brexit.

In Spain: Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, whose Socialist Party victory in April’s elections was seen by E.U. leaders as a vote of confidence against the rising tides of nationalism and populism in the bloc, failed to form an alliance that would re-elect him in Parliament, moving the country closer to another national election.