British Prime Minister Boris Johnson survived a no-confidence vote on Monday, securing enough support from his Conservative Party to remain in office despite a substantial rebellion that leaves him a weakened leader with an uncertain future.
Since replacing May as prime minister in 2019, Johnson has led Britain out of the European Union and through a pandemic, both of which have shaken the U.K. socially and economically. The vote comes as Johnson’s government is under intense pressure to ease the pain of skyrocketing energy and food bills.
Conservative Party official Graham Brady announced Monday that he had received letters calling for a no-confidence vote from at least 54 Tory legislators, enough to trigger the measure under party rules. Hours later, party lawmakers lined up by the dozen in a corridor at Parliament to cast their ballots in a wood-paneled room, handing over their phones as they entered to ensure secrecy.
But concerns came to a head after an investigator’s report late last month that slammed a culture of rule-breaking inside the prime minister’s office in a scandal known as “partygate.” Johnson also was fined 50 pounds by police for attending one party, making him the first prime minister sanctioned for breaking the law while in office.
“Today’s decision is change or lose,” said Jeremy Hunt, who ran against Johnson for the Conservative leadership in 2019 but has largely refrained from criticizing him since. “I will be voting for change.” Polls give the left-of-center opposition Labour Party a lead nationally, and the Conservatives could lose special elections later this month for two parliamentary districts, called when incumbent Tory lawmakers were forced out by sex scandals.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Boris Johnson confidence vote latest: Boris Johnson wins vote but suffers Tory rebellion - BBC NewsPM Boris Johnson wins vote of confidence despite a substantial rebellion by Tory MPs.
Read more »
Who will replace Boris Johnson and be the next prime minister?With Boris Johnson facing a vote of confidence in his leadership, the field of potential challengers is wide open with no clear frontrunner. Here are those thought to covet the top job 👇
Read more »
Prime Minister Boris Johnson vote of confidence live updatesMAILONLINE LIVEBLOG: The vote of confidence in Boris Johnson by secret ballot will take place at Westminster this evening between 6pm and 8pm, with the count to take place straight after.
Read more »
Who could replace Boris Johnson as the next Tory leader and prime minister?Not long ago Chancellor Rishi Sunak was seen as the front runner to replace Boris Johnson, but his popularity has waned and now the field of potential successors is far more open. So who could throw their hat in the ring?
Read more »
U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson Survives No-Confidence VoteU.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson narrowly survives no-confidence vote, securing enough support from his Conservative Party to remain in office
Read more »
Prime Minister Boris Johnson vote of confidence live updatesMAILONLINE LIVEBLOG: The vote of confidence in Boris Johnson by secret ballot will take place at Westminster this evening between 6pm and 8pm, with the count to take place straight after.
Read more »