Boris Johnson survived the confidence vote, but only narrowly - so what does the future look like for the PM?

What is happening?

Iran executed 975 people in ‘horrifying escalation’ in 2024

February 20, 2025

Iran executed at least 975 people last year in a “horrifying escalation” of its use of capital punishment, two human rights groups said on Thursday. Iran carried out at least 975 executions last year in a “horrifying escalation” of capital punishment, according to Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) and French group Together Against the Death Penalty (ECPM). Both said the figure was the highest since IHR began recording executions in Iran in 2008. The figure

What are the facts?

Boris Johnson survived the attempt by his own MPs to oust him as both Tory party leader and prime minister
The PM won but the scale of the rebellion was larger than anyone expected
41 per cent of Tory MPs voted they have no confidence in the PM and want him out
The confidence vote was triggered after the 15 per cent (54 letters) threshold was passed – 54 MPs triggered the contest
The vote comes after a string of scandals including partygate and the Sue Gray report
The PM may have won but history suggests when a confidence vote is triggered, it usually marks the beginning of the end for a prime minister
Boris Johnson got less support than his predecessor Teresa May (who was out just 6 months after winning her confidence vote.

New leader will emerge The Telegraph is a known fan of Boris Johnson, however, the paper suggests the Tory party needs to start looking for a new leader. Historically, leaders haven't lasted long after facing (even winning) a confidence vote. It usually marks the beginning of the downfall.

Media Bias

UK polls point to a massive win for Labour. The party doesn’t want voters to think victory is a done deal

The Benefits from Pacific trade deal are ‘going to be enormous’ says Andrea Leadsom The News Bias Exposed Fact Check Related News Left leaning mostly

Look to Jeremy Corbyn Liberal paper The Guardian says the Labour leader has a 'golden opportunity' amid the chaos in the government. The writer urges Starmer to 'try a bit of Corbynism' adding that whilst the former leader got plenty wrong - Labour should be thinking about what he got right. The paper choosing to highlight the strengths of the opposition party amid Tory troubles.

Media Bias

Tories narrow gap to Labour in poll as Sunak says election result not ‘foregone conclusion’

Tories narrow gap to Labour in poll as Sunak says election result not ‘foregone conclusion’ The News Bias Exposed Fact Check Related News Right leaning

Life after Boris Another liberal paper is the Independent which suggests the Tory party should consider 'life after Boris Johnson'. The paper notes what historically happens to leaders who face votes of confidence. The paper says he'll be doomed, sooner or later.

Media Bias

Labour vote share falls to lowest in more than two years

Labour vote share falls to lowest in more than two years The News Bias Exposed Fact Check Related News Right leaning mixed facts Labour’s vote

PM SAVED, vote FAILED The Daily Express describes the vote as a 'failed attempt' to oust the PM and calls the rebel MPs 'desperate plotters'. The language suggests the PM has been wronged by the Tory MPs who voted against him - and suggested they plotted against him.

Media Bias

Sunak and Starmer clash in final election debate

Sunak and Starmer clash in final election debate Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer went head-to-head over tax, immigration, gender and Brexit in their final

Lefties Right

The Guardian - Tory MPs plot ‘vote strikes’ to keep Johnson on ropes

The Independent - PM is warned strongman act will backfire with MPs

The Independent - Johnson clings on… but for how long?

The Metro - The party is over Boris

The Metro - The party is over Boris The Metro - The party is over Boris

The Guardian - PM clinging to power after vote humiliation

Daily Mirror - Party's over, Boris

Daily Express - Boris tax blitz to silence rebels

The Sun - Night in the blond knives … stabbed in the back by 148 Tories

The Daily Express - Defiant and unbowed… I’ll lead party to victory