LONDON | Former British Conservative Party leader William Hague on Tuesday deemed a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Boris Johnson likely in the coming month, as criticism intensified in his camp under the effect of “partygate”.
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The publication last week of an administrative report detailing the scale of anti-COVID rule breaches at Downing Street reignited the scandal and since then new calls for the resignation have been made public every day.
It takes 54 letters from MPs to the party’s ‘1922 committee’ to trigger a vote of no confidence in Boris Johnson. For the moment, about thirty have publicly called for his departure, but the procedure being secret, the political class speculates as to whether this number could be reached in the days to come.
“I think (the Conservatives) are headed for a vote either next week or towards the end of June,” former Foreign Minister William Hague said on Times Radio.
“Many have interpreted the events of the past week to mean that the problems are over and that Boris is out of danger, but that is not the mood in the Conservative Party, very, very troubled by the report,” added Mr. Hague, party boss from 1997 to 2001.
The report delivered by Sue Gray, a senior civil servant, is a damning dive into the parties organized in Downing Street during the confinements, synonymous with heavy sacrifices for the British. He details a series of very alcoholic pots – until vomiting – with altercations, music, departure by back doors in the early morning and disrespect for the security or maintenance agents.
Boris Johnson, himself subject to a fine – unheard of for a prime minister in office – said he took “full responsibility for everything that happened”, but felt that it was his duty to “continue” his work.
The scandal has already dented Boris Johnson’s long-stifled popularity, leading to heavy setbacks for the Tories in a local election in early May. He was maintained by highlighting in particular the context of the war in Ukraine, but also for lack of an obvious successor.
Two partial legislative elections are scheduled for June 23, the next date likely to relaunch the revolt against the head of government.
If he is defeated by a motion of no confidence, an internal election will be held within the party to designate a new leader. If he survives there, he cannot be dislodged for a year.