UK PM Boris Johnson faces a vote of no confidence after Imran Khan
A vote of no confidence against Boris Johnson has been prompted following the chair of the 1922 Committee, Graham Brady, stating that the number of Conservative MPs to have filed letters of no confidence in the PM reached 52.
Vote Of No Confidence Procedure
Here’s a procedure for conducting the Vote Of No Confidence against the UK PM:
How Is The Vote Of No Confidence Triggered?
In order for a vote to be held, at least 15% of Conservative MPs must write a letter of no confidence to Brady. With the Conservatives now having 359 MPs, this meant that at least 54 had to do it.
Also Read: Vote Of No Confidence Season?
The MPs were not required to disclose their identities, however, several opted to do so in response to constituent pressure or to urge others to do the same. Letters might be delivered to Brady’s Commons office in person, dropped off by someone else, or emailed. Only Brady knew how many letters had been submitted during the process.
Brady did not, as previously alleged, need to call every Conservative MP who had written a letter to ensure they were satisfied with their choice before announcing the confidence vote. He also does not provide a list of persons who have sent letters to Johnson’s ministerial aides.
How Will Johnson’s Fate Be Decided?
A simple secret ballot of MPs will be held on Monday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. To remain in office, a leader must get at least 50% plus one vote backing from the parliamentary party. This translates to 180 votes for Johnson.
The vote is held in person, with MPs physically depositing their folded votes in a ballot box reserved for this purpose. It will most likely be held in a big committee chamber at the Palace of Westminster, which is normally used for sessions of the 1922 Committee. If an MP is unable to attend Parliament, they can appoint a colleague to vote on their behalf as a proxy.
To maintain confidentiality, MPs are prohibited from taking pictures inside the chamber, however considerable lobbying occurs, and journalists will constantly monitor the corridor outside the door, observing who comes to vote.
When And How Will The Outcome Be Revealed?
Brady’s statement stated that the votes will be counted immediately after the polls closed and that the announcement would be made “at a time to be advised,” with details revealed later on Monday.
As with the challenge to Theresa May in 2018, Brady is expected to gather MPs and media in the same committee room and proclaim that the parliamentary party has or does not have confidence in the prime minister, citing the number of votes cast in each way.
What Happens If Johnson Is Defeated?
If Johnson receives less than 180 votes, the party will elect a new leader, and hence a new prime minister. Because the UK constitution requires a prime minister to be in the office at all times, Johnson would be expected to stay at No. 10 until a replacement was chosen.
When Johnson took over for Theresa May, the procedure took two months. While the campaign may be accelerated, it involves a vote of Tory party members, which takes time, as well as hustings events. Members vote on one of two candidates, one of whom was chosen through a previous set of ballots among Tory MPs. If Johnson opted to depart immediately, an interim prime minister would be required. Dominic Raab, the deputy prime minister, appears to be the most likely candidate.
And If He Wins?
A leader who wins a confidence vote is immune to such a challenge for a year, according to party rules. However, the regulations are readily modified, and this does not ensure safety. May won her confidence vote, but was compelled to declare a departure date soon after due to the prospect of a rule change and a fresh vote. May received backing from little under two-thirds of her MPs. Many circumstances would influence a survivable number for Johnson, but a victory by that margin or less would make his chances rather questionable.
