UK Prime Minister Johnson Overcomes Crisis with 59 vs 41 Vote... How Long Can He Hold On?

Partygate Ultimately Leads to Confidence Vote
Prime Minister Retains Position with 211 Votes in Favor vs. 148 Against
More Opposition Votes Than During May’s Tenure, Leadership Takes a Hit

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who faced a crisis due to ‘Partygate,’ has won the confidence vote and retained his position as Prime Minister. However, nearly 150 Conservative Party MPs voted against him, dealing a serious blow to Johnson’s leadership.

According to major media outlets including CNN on the 7th, Johnson received 211 votes in favor and 148 votes against in the Conservative Party’s parliamentary confidence vote. According to party rules, if a leader receives support from more than half of the party’s MPs (359 members), specifically at least 180 votes, they can maintain their position as party leader. In the UK’s parliamentary system, the Queen appoints the leader of the ruling party as Prime Minister.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

◆Results Worse Than the Worst-Case Scenario= However, both domestic and international assessments indicate that Johnson’s position has become even more precarious following this vote. The 59% support he received is lower than the 63% Theresa May secured in her 2018 confidence vote. Although May passed the vote, she faced criticism over the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union (EU) and eventually resigned voluntarily six months later.

CNN reported, "The most pessimistic scenario before the vote was 80 votes against," adding, "Johnson’s supporters appear busier than ever trying to decide his next steps as his position as Prime Minister looks more unstable than at any time since his inauguration."

Johnson praised the vote result as "a convincing and decisive victory that allows the country to continue progressing," but major media outlets pointed out that the substantial number of opposing votes (148) is damaging his power.

Most notably, the so-called ‘Partygate’ scandal, in which Johnson attended parties at Downing Street during the strict lockdowns imposed in 2019 and was fined by the police for violating quarantine rules, remains a critical issue. On the 25th of last month, photos of a drinking party inside the Prime Minister’s office were released, fueling criticism and leading to this confidence vote. According to Conservative Party rules, if at least 15% of MPs (currently 54 out of 359) request a confidence vote, it must be held. Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 Committee, a Conservative MPs’ group, informed Johnson about the confidence vote on the night of the 5th and announced the vote early on the morning of the 6th, proceeding accordingly.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

◆Shaken Leadership, Accumulating Troubles= If the confidence vote is won, the Conservative Party leader can maintain the Prime Minister position without further votes for the next 12 months. However, some opposing MPs are reportedly seeking to amend this rule to shorten the no-revote period, CNN reported.

Criticism and movements against him have already become uncontrollable. Former Treasury Deputy Secretary Jesse Norman stated before the vote, "You have led a culture of illegality at 10 Downing Street related to COVID." John Penrose, Johnson’s anti-corruption chief, has also resigned.

The Cabinet emphasizes successful governance centered on Johnson, highlighting the rapid rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations and the UK’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. However, in reality, the government faces numerous challenges including economic recession, inflation, and disruptions caused by strikes. The House of Commons is still pressuring Johnson by launching an investigation into whether he lied to Parliament regarding Partygate. Before the vote, Johnson and his wife were booed at the Platinum Jubilee event commemorating Queen Elizabeth II’s 70th anniversary on the throne, dealing a severe blow to his public authority.

The UK Guardian reported, "Johnson and his allies claim this vote as a victory, but many Conservative MPs see this coup attempt (confidence vote) as the beginning of the end of his three-year tenure as Prime Minister."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.