Boris Johnson has shown a combative attitude during the weekly question time in the British Parliament. “Soon I will leave with my head held high,” it sounded.
“It is absolutely true that I am leaving at a time I have not chosen,” said the Conservatives leader. “But I am proud of the teamwork and leadership of my tenure.” He referred to Brexit, the Covid-19 vaccination campaign and London’s “decisive role” after Russia’s “brutal invasion” of Ukraine.
There were some chaotic scenes at the start of the session. Two MPs from the Scottish Alba Party loudly called for an independence referendum for their part of the country without being given the floor. Speaker Lindsay Hoyle was visibly upset and shouted “Order!” and “Shut up or go away”. The two MPs were later expelled from the room.
Motion of distrust
There will also be a vote of no confidence in parliament. However, the focus there is on trust in the government as a whole and not just in Johnson. The government had previously blocked a planned Labor opposition motion for a no-confidence vote against Johnson. Johnson wants to remain in office until a successor is chosen on September 5. The Labor Party wanted to force him to leave office immediately with the motion. However, it is questionable whether a majority would have been found for this.
Johnson resigned as party leader last week under enormous pressure from his faction and cabinet. The prime minister had seen scandal after scandal before. The selection process for a successor continues today.
Also watch: these are the possible successors of Boris Johnson
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