Boris Johnson to face confidence vote this evening as Bury North MP shows support

After months of speculation over his leadership in the light of lockdown partygate allegations, Mr Johnson will battle to keep his position as PM tonight.  

Between 6pm and 8pm, Conservative MPs will vote to decide Boris Johnson’s fate as Prime Minister. An announcement is expected around an hour after the vote closes. 

The vote comes after 15% of Tory MPs (at least 54) wrote to Sir Graham Brady, the chair of the 1922 Committee of Tory Backbenchers, admitting a lack of confidence for their Prime Minister,  

Pressure on Boris Johnson to step down has been looming since senior civil servant, Sue Gray, highlighted in a report, the details of a number of covid-rule breaking parties in Downing Street during UK lockdowns.  

Mr Johnson is expected to make a plea to his MPs at around 4pm, in a last minute battle to keep his position. 

His MPs will vote in a secret ballot. To win, Mr Johnson must secure a majority vote, assuming every Conservative MP votes, he must obtain 180 supports of confidence to keep his position. Proxy votes are available for those not in Westminster this evening. 

If he wins, the PM will remain party leader and Prime Minister and will be protected from any other challenges of position for another year.  

However, if he loses, Mr Johnson will be forced to step down and the race to choose a new Tory party leader and prime minister will begin, with Johnson barred from standing.   

Bury North MP has shown his support for Mr Johnson in the last hour, a statement read: "Tonight I will be supporting the Prime Minister

"I am very disappointed about what has happened. I know from the many conversations I have had with constituents here in Bury, Ramsbottom and Tottington on the doorsteps and the letters and emails sent to me, that many people share these concerns.

"However, I also have to consider what the country as a whole needs now in the face of rising costs of living and a precarious international situation.

"I think the responsible thing to do then is to continue to support this government in tackling these problems. I can assure you, rightly, that the Government’s focus is and always will be to deliver on the priorities of the British people: strengthening our economy, creating jobs and levelling up the whole United Kingdom."

Mr Daly is among approximately 120 MPs who have made public statements in support of the Prime Minister since the vote was announced this morning. 

We'll bring you the latest on the result, as we get it. Keep an eye on our social media pages and website.