Boris Johnson has promised to ‘put a line’ under the Tory revolt as he prepares for a titanic battle only hours after the threshold for triggering a confidence vote was drastically exceeded.
After backbench boss Graham Brady stated this morning that at least 54 MPs have requested a full ballot in the wake of Partygate, one will be held between 6pm and 8pm, the PM sounded defiant.
With the results announced so soon after, it’s possible that Mr Johnson’s term as Prime Minister may come to an end less than three years after he gained a spectacular 80-seat Commons majority.
In theory, if 50% of MPs vote in favor of him in a secret ballot, he will be secure for a year, however some insurgents believe they have moved too soon ahead of important by-elections later this month.
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss stated that he had her “100% support in today’s vote” and that she “highly encourages colleagues to support him.” Michael Gove and Dominic Raab, the Deputy Prime Minister, also supported him.
However, there is talk that others may be preparing to resign in order to join the insurgency, with Trade Minister Penny Mordaunt said to be on’resignation watch.’
Sir Graham, who waited until the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee festivities were over before informing No10 and consenting to the timeline, said in a statement: ‘The threshold of 15% of the parliamentary party demanding a vote of confidence in the Conservative Party leader has been exceeded.’
‘In accordance with the rules, a ballot will be held between 1800 and 2000 today, Monday 6th June — details to be confirmed.
‘The votes will be counted immediately afterwards. An announcement will be made at a time to be advised. Arrangements for the announcement will be released later today.’
Sir Graham expressed his expectation for a “clear result,” implying that Mr Johnson would be welcome to speak to the 1922 committee before the vote this afternoon.
The Prime Minister will fight, according to a Downing Street spokesman. ‘Tonight is an opportunity to put an end to months of conjecture and allow the government to draw a line in the sand and move forward, delivering on the people’s priorities,’ added the spokesman.
‘The PM welcomes the opportunity to make his case to MPs and will remind them that when they’re united and focused on the issues that matter to voters there is no more formidable political force.’
Former minister Jesse Norman, a long-time supporter of the PM, had written an excoriating letter accusing him of ‘grotesque’ behavior over Partygate.
Rebels have been distributing a dossier calling Mr Johnson the “Conservative Corbyn” and predicting a thrashing from both Labour and the Liberal Democrats.
Mr Johnson’s backers, on the other hand, have warned of a ruinous civil war and potentially an early election.
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn