UK – Boris Johnson faces a no-confidence vote today – News

  • British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who was heavily criticized in the “Partygate” affair, has to face a vote of no confidence from his Conservative Party on Monday evening.
  • The head of the responsible party committee, Graham Brady, announced in London in the morning that the necessary number of corresponding applications from Tory MPs had been reached.
  • If a majority votes against Johnson, he will lose his position as prime minister for the time being.
  • Boris Johnson himself welcomes the opportunity to face the vote of his Conservative Party MPs, as he said.

Johnson can win the vote, which was due to take place between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. (local time) on Monday evening, and retain his office. However, the vote alone is considered another heavy blow for the prime minister.

Brady said the 15 percent threshold for the group seeking a vote of confidence in the Conservative Party leader had been crossed. This means that at least 54 conservatives must apply in writing to the party committee in 1922 to vote. The requests are confidential. Brady explained that the votes would be counted immediately after the vote.

Fined for attending celebrations during lockdown

Johnson has also come under heavy criticism from within his own ranks for a number of lockdown parties at his Downing Street official residence during the pandemic. Johnson was fined for attending one of the celebrations. This makes him the first incumbent British Prime Minister to break the law.

An investigation report accuses him and other people in charge of leadership failure and serious misconduct in complying with Corona rules. The 57-year-old apologized several times in the House of Commons in London. However, he refuses to resign.

High hurdle for deselection

To vote Johnson out of office, at least 180 MPs must vote against him in the no-confidence vote. This is considered a high hurdle, especially as around 150 Tory MPs hold part-time government jobs that they could lose if Johnson were voted out. In addition, experts point out that there is currently no real alternative to the prime minister, who is also considered the most important campaigner for the Conservative Party.

Under current party rules, if Johnson wins the vote, there can be no further attempt to unseat him for a year. The result of the no-confidence vote should be announced after the vote on Monday evening

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