British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to face Tory confidence vote over lockdown parties

Boris Johnson’s rule as British Prime Minister could be over within hours after Tory MPs triggered a contest following a string of scandals.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Picture: AFP

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will face a Conservative Party confidence vote on his leadership early on Tuesday (AEST) after 54 of his Tory MPs triggered a contest following a string of scandals.

“The threshold of 15 per cent of the parliamentary party seeking a vote of confidence in the leader of the Conservative Party has been exceeded,” Graham Brady, chair of the 1922 Committee of Conservative backbench MPs, said on Monday night.

“In accordance with the rules, a ballot will be held between 1800 and 2000 (3am and 5am, AEST) today,” he added.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie Johnson arrive at the BBC Platinum Party at the Palace, as part of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations over the weekend. Picture: Getty Images

The confidence vote is a chance “to draw a line and move on”, a Downing Street spokesperson said.

“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,” the spokesperson added, shortly after the vote was announced.

The ballot was triggered by rebel legislators in his Conservative Party after a collapse in his poll ratings caused in part by parties in Downing Street during Covid-19 lockdowns.

If a majority of the party’s 359 legislators decide the party needs new leadership, a contest to find a replacement prime minister will start.

If Mr Johnson survives the vote, he cannot be challenged for another year.

A report last month concluded the PM should bear responsibility for parties held in Downing Street during lockdowns.

AFP

I have supported Boris Johnson for 15 years, for the London Mayoralty and for PM. Very sadly, I have written to him to say I can no longer do so, for the reasons set out below. pic.twitter.com/0Mjs4hjeSF

— Jesse Norman (@Jesse_Norman) June 6, 2022