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UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson to face no confidence vote

Reuters
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British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to face a vote of confidence.
Camera IconBritish Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to face a vote of confidence. Credit: EPA

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is to face a vote of no-confidence by MPs in his Conservative party.

Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 Committee, said in a statement on Monday the threshold of 15 per cent of the parliamentary party seeking a vote of confidence in Johnson had been exceeded.

“In accordance with the rules, a ballot will be held between 1800 and 2000 TODAY MONDAY 6th JUNE — details to be confirmed,” he said.

“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.”

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The British leader was booed at Platinum Jubilee events at the weekend.

Johnson, appointed prime minister in 2019, has been under growing pressure, unable to move on from a damaging report over parties held in his Downing Street office and residence when Britain was under strict COVID-19 lockdowns.

Dozens of Conservative lawmakers have voiced concern over whether Johnson, 57, has lost his authority to govern Britain, which is facing the risk of recession, rising fuel and food prices and travel chaos in the capital London because of strike action.

In the confidence vote 180 Conservative lawmakers would have to vote against Johnson for him to be removed - a level some Conservatives say might be difficult to reach.

If passed, there would then be a leadership contest to decide his replacement.

Since the release of a damning report into the so-called ‘partygate’ scandal which documented alcohol-fuelled parties at the heart of power when Britain was in coronavirus lockdowns, Johnson and his government have urged lawmakers to move on.

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