Key Boris Johnson allies are preparing to defend him in a challenge to his leadership, as they acknowledge that it is increasingly likely that rebel Conservative MPs have reached a critical threshold. needed to trigger a vote of no confidence in the British Prime Minister this week.
For such a vote to take place, Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the influential backbench committee in 1922 Tory MPs, received 54 letters calling for Johnson’s departure.
Allies of Prime minister said the threshold may have been reached after some rebels announced on Sunday that they had enough support to trigger a vote.
Paul Scully, the business minister, told Channel 4 on Sunday: “We could have a vote of no confidence [in Johnson’s position] but he will win it.”
A close ministerial ally of Johnson denied a report in The Sunday Times that the number was as high as 67. “I believe it is not 67. But whether it is over 54 is an issue. different,” he said.
A leading critic of Johnson predicts that there is a 55% chance of a confidence vote this week. “He’s on the slide,” said the congressman.
Tory MPs solicited input from their constituents and local party associations on Johnson’s future during the long bank holiday during the Jubilee Year.
“I think Brady will make an announcement tomorrow and if he doesn’t, others will send in. The point of no return has passed,” another influential Conservative MP predicted on Sunday. Japan. He noted that some Tories prefer to send a letter to instead of using email or WhatsApp.
Brady, who declined to comment, is the only one who knows exactly how many MPs have sent no confidence letters.
But Grant Shapps, Transport Secretary and one of Johnson’s key parliamentary organizers, told the BBC he did not believe there was enough support in his party for a vote on leadership to be held. Johnson’s leadership will be called in the coming days.
Shapps, who was instrumental in Johnson’s campaign for Tory leader in 2019 and helped cement his faltering position earlier this year, said he was also confident the prime minister could live. after any vote. When asked if he would win any votes, Shapps replied: “Yes he will.”
At least 30 Tory MPs have publicly called for Johnson to step down as grievances grow over the party membership scandal following the release of a highly critical report by senior civil servant Sue Grey, in which she put questions about his leadership.
But some ministers close to Johnson say the number of rebels is exaggerated. An ally predicted “all week” small curve“Following reports of an impending vote of no confidence. Another said: “I’ve heard wolves cry too many times.”
If Johnson avoids a vote in the coming days, the focus will shift to the results of two key by-elections on June 23. Rebels believe losing both would prompt an unpopular vote. inevitable trust.
Johnson’s challenge in Wakefield is highlighted by a new poll showing that Labor must naturally win back the seat, the Conservatives for the first time since 1931 at the most recent election. On Sunday, JL Partners put Labor 20 points ahead of the Tories.
In Tiverton and Honitona Tory stronghold with a 24,239 majority, bookies have installed the Liberal Democrats as odds-to-win lovers.
The Prime Minister will try to shift focus to domestic policy with Tuesday’s speech on housing, including plans extend purchase rights for tenants of the housing association. Johnson will also continue his work on growth strategy before giving a joint economic speech with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Meanwhile, Jeremy Hunt, the former foreign secretary, is being urged by his supporters to announce that he will run for leader of the Conservative party if Johnson loses the leadership vote or is forced out of the party.
