London is counting letters: Following the damaging “Partygate” report on lockdown parties in Downing Street, a vote of no confidence in Prime Minister Boris Johnson is likely to come within reach.
According to Sky News, 27 MPs from Johnson’s Tory party have now publicly called for his resignation, as the broadcaster reported. If at least 54 MPs from his party send a letter to the relevant committee and thus withdraw their confidence in Johnson, there will be a vote of no confidence.
During the course of Monday, three new critics were added, including the prominent Brexit supporter Andrew Bridgen. “I and other colleagues have submitted letters over the past few days and it may well be soon enough to trigger a vote of no confidence,” he said. According to Sky News, twelve other party colleagues should at least question Johnson’s position.
Since not all MPs are publicly expressing their criticism, several observers expect that the threshold has almost been reached and that a vote of no confidence could be called as early as next week. However, a few months ago – after the initial outrage over the “Partygate” affair – there was also this expectation, which ultimately did not come true.
Graham Brady, the chair of the committee responsible, would call the vote of no confidence when he received enough letters. He is expected to do so no earlier than early next week, when Parliament will reconvene so as not to overshadow the upcoming Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee celebrations.
