Boris Johnson to face a vote of no confidence tonight

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By Carina Murphy

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UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson will face a vote of no confidence later today (Monday, June 6).

Lawmakers from the governing Conservative Party will vote on whether to keep Johnson in power after recent scandals have rocked his tenure as leader.

Per Reuters, the chairman of the 1922 Committee Graham Brady announced that the vote would take place today between 6:00PM and 8:00PM UK time.

"The threshold of 15% of the parliamentary party seeking a vote of confidence in the leader of the Conservative Party has been exceeded," Brady announced to Conservative lawmakers.

He went on to explain that the results from the vote would be released later, writing: "The votes will be counted immediately afterwards. An announcement will be made at a time to be advised."

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Former Mayor of London Johnson was appointed Prime Minister in 2019. Since then, he has been linked to reports of scandalous alcohol-fuelled parties that took place in government buildings during the height of the pandemic, when the rest of the nation was under strict lockdown.

The scandal - which has been dubbed 'partygate' by the press - has caused many members of Johnson's own party to denounce him and request a vote of no confidence.

Ex-junior finance minister Jesse Norman is the latest Conservative legislator to step forwards and publically request a confidence vote, as doubts are raised within the party around Johnson's electoral prospects.

"Recent events have served to clarify the position this country is in under your leadership, beyond any doubt; and I am afraid I can see no circumstances in which I could serve in a government led by you," said Norman in a letter he published to Twitter.

"Neither the Conservative party nor this country can afford to squander the next two years adrift and distracted by endless debate about you and your leadership," he continued, adding that "for you to prolong this charade by remaining in office not only insults this electorate", it could also prove "catastrophic for this country".

For Johnson to be removed as leader, a majority of Conservative lawmakers (180 plus) would have to vote against him. A leadership contest would then ensue to decide on his replacement.

Featured Image Credit: Iain Masterton / Alamy