Government resignations: What happens now? – ‘downfall of Boris Johnson’s government’
It looks almost certain, that we’re witnessing the downfall of Boris Johnson’s government – a mass exodus is underway, triggered by the shocking double resignations of Sajid Javid and Rishi Sunak last night- Sunak being the biggest blow to the PM.
After facing a bruising day – a grilling at PMQs, followed by a brutal resignation speech by Sajid Javid in the Commons (in which he appeared to confirm he was lied to over Partygate) to the liaison committee meeting this afternoon, which he faced questions of integrity over his premiership and within his government, he’ll be returning to No 10 to face another situation.
It’s now widely believed the PM is en route to No 10 where he will face a group of cabinet ministers who will reportedly tell the PM it’s time for him to resign.
Among the delegation wanting Boris Johnson out is the newly appointed chancellor Nadhim Zahawi, Grant Shapps and Kwasi Kwarteng.
Priti Patel is reportedly in No 10 but it’s unclear if she’s there to tell the PM to leave.
Government resignations – who has quit Boris Johnson’s government?
More resignations rolling in for the PM
What options does Boris Johnson have?
The prime minister has, realistically, two options going forward. The BBC says, government sources told them the two options are:
One – the prime minister accepts his cabinet ministers’ call to resign, which would eventually trigger a leadership contest.
Or two – he doesn’t accept their call, some of them would then most likely resign.
If he doesn’t resign then it’ll come down to the new 1922 executive committee – when elected – to decide if they want to change the rules to allow for a second confidence vote. At present, if you survive one confidence vote, you can’t be challenged again for 12 months. If the rules do change – it doesn’t look likely the PM will win another confidence vote – this follows the Chris Pincher scandal and the PM’s handling of the situation.
Exclusive: Protests outside Parliament during PMQs
https://www.instagram.com/p/CfrYR6cA8O9/
How many have quit Boris Johnson’s government so far?
It’s been a busy day for politics and the prime minister. At least 38 MPs have resigned from the government, a mass exodus triggered after Rishi Sunak and Sajid Javid’s shocking resignations late last night.
Now we’re hearing, that a group of cabinet ministers have gathered at No 10 and are reportedly going to tell the prime minister it’s time for him to quit.
Read Rishi Sunak and Sajid Javid resignation letters in full – and the PM’s response
Not enough ministers for key legislation
Labour MP Conor McGuinn says the government has had to cancel bill committees due to take place in parliament tomorrow because “they now don’t have enough ministers to attend.”
He says key legislation will now be “effectively suspended” as a result. “A government that cannot perform even the most basic tasks needed to govern.”