*** BREAKING NEWS ***

 

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has survived a vote of confidence in the House of Commons this evening, but his premiership has been badly dented after 148 MPs voted saying they had lost confidence in his leadership.

The vote was forced following letters of no confidence submitted by at least 54 MPs to Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the backbench 1922 committee, who then arranged the secret vote.

The threshold of 15 percent of the Parliamentary party seeking a Vote of Confidence was passed yesterday and Sir Graham told the PM that a vote would take place this evening.

Mr Johnson needed 180 MPs to vote to keep him in post.  Two hundred and eleven did so, with 148 – 41 per cent – voting for a change of Prime Minister.  Mr Johnson’s predecessor Theresa May resigned after 133 MPs voted saying they had no confidence in her.

Mr Johnson will continue as Prime Minister.  Under current rules there can be no further challenge to him for 12 months.