After 54 of his Tory MPs triggered a contest following a string of scandals, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will face a Conservative Party confidence vote on his leadership Monday.

Graham Brady, chair of the 1922 Committee of Conservative backbench MPs, said, "The threshold of 15% of the parliamentary party seeking a vote of confidence in the leader of the Conservative Party has been exceeded."

"In accordance with the rules, a ballot will be held between 1800 and 2000 (1700 and 1900 GMT) today," he added.

In response, a Downing Street spokesman said that the vote is a chance for Johnson to ''draw a line and move on''.

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"The PM welcomes the opportunity to make his case to MPs and will remind them that when they’re united and focused on the issues that matter to voters there is no more formidable political force," the spokesperson added.

Unable to move on from a report that documented alcohol-fuelled parties at the heart of power when Britain was under strict lockdowns to tackle COVID-19, Johnson has been under growing pressure.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-if-boris-johnson-loses-no-confidence-vote-who-can-replace-him-474051#what-needs-to-happen-for-there-to-be-a-leadership-contest-474043">Also see |&nbsp;How UK PM Johnson could be ousted by unhappy Conservative lawmakers</a>

Joining a growing number who have voiced concern about Johnson's electoral appeal, Jesse Norman, who served as a junior minister in the finance ministry between 2019 and 2021, was the latest Conservative lawmaker to publicly request a confidence vote.

"Recent events have served to clarify the position this country is in under your leadership, beyond any doubt; and I am afraid I can see no circumstances in which I could serve in a government led by you," Norman said in a letter he published on Twitter.

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I have supported Boris Johnson for 15 years, for the London Mayoralty and for PM. Very sadly, I have written to him to say I can no longer do so, for the reasons set out below. <a href="https://t.co/0Mjs4hjeSF">pic.twitter.com/0Mjs4hjeSF</a>
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For the removal of Johnson from the position of the prime minister, a majority of Conservative lawmakers or 180 would have to vote against him.

Although some Conservatives say that kind of majority might be difficult to reach if passed there would then be a leadership contest to decide his replacement. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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After 54 of his Tory MPs triggered a contest following a string of scandals, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will face a Conservative Party confidence vote on his leadership Monday.

After 54 of his Tory MPs triggered a contest following a string of scandals, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will face a Conservative Party confidence vote on his leadership Monday. Graham Brady, chair of the 1922 Committee of Conservative backbench MPs, said, "The threshold of 15% of the parliamentary party seeking a vote of confidence in the leader of the Conservative Party has been exceeded." "In accordance with the rules, a ballot will be held between 1800 and 2000 (1700 and 1900 GMT) today," he added. In response, a Downing Street spokesman said that the vote is a chance for Johnson to ''draw a line and move on''. "The PM welcomes the opportunity to make his case to MPs and will remind them that when they’re united and focused on the issues that matter to voters there is no more formidable political force," the spokesperson added. Unable to move on from a report that documented alcohol-fuelled parties at the heart of power when Britain was under strict lockdowns to tackle COVID-19, Johnson has been under growing pressure. Also see | How UK PM Johnson could be ousted by unhappy Conservative lawmakers Joining a growing number who have voiced concern about Johnson's electoral appeal, Jesse Norman, who served as a junior minister in the finance ministry between 2019 and 2021, was the latest Conservative lawmaker to publicly request a confidence vote. "Recent events have served to clarify the position this country is in under your leadership, beyond any doubt; and I am afraid I can see no circumstances in which I could serve in a government led by you," Norman said in a letter he published on Twitter. I have supported Boris Johnson for 15 years, for the London Mayoralty and for PM. Very sadly, I have written to him to say I can no longer do so, for the reasons set out below. pic.twitter.com/0Mjs4hjeSF — Jesse Norman (@Jesse_Norman) June 6, 2022 × For the removal of Johnson from the position of the prime minister, a majority of Conservative lawmakers or 180 would have to vote against him. Although some Conservatives say that kind of majority might be difficult to reach if passed there would then be a leadership contest to decide his replacement. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

After rebellion of 54 Tory MPs, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to face confidence vote

Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's statue has been daubed with red paint by vandals weeks following an egg-throwing protest shortly after it was installed in her hometown.

Fences surrounding the monument have been sprayed with a hammer and sickle, a symbol used on communist flags to show solidarity.

The sculpture, located in Grantham, is worth $378,960 or £300,000 and was funded through donations raised by a British historical charity.

According to a spokesperson of Lincolnshire Police, ''Just before 11.15 pm yesterday, we received reports of a person shown on CCTV acting suspiciously near the site.''

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/just-hours-after-installation-new-margaret-thatcher-statue-faces-egg-throwing-booing-in-uk-479289">Also read |&nbsp;Just hours after installation, new Margaret Thatcher statue faces egg throwing, booing in UK</a>

''Officers attended and found graffiti had been spray-painted onto the barriers surrounding the statue, no damage was thought to have been caused to the statue itself.''

"This is being treated as criminal damage and an enquiry is ongoing," the spokesperson added.

Authorities in London had rejected a proposal to install the statue in a square opposite parliament over concerns about "potential vandalism and civil disorder".

But Thatcher's hometown Grantham in Lincolnshire in central England, where her father was a grocer, agreed to take the statue instead.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/may-the-4th-be-with-you-former-british-pm-margaret-thatchers-unique-connection-with-star-wars-day-296608">Also read |&nbsp;'May the 4th be with you': Former British PM Margaret Thatcher's unique connection with Star Wars day</a>

Thatcher, who was the first British female premier, led the country from 1979 to 1990. Also known as the Iron Lady, the Conservative prime minister confounded her own prediction that no women would win the job in her lifetime.

She continues to deeply divide opinion, nearly a decade after her death in 2013, due to her policies of privatisation, breaking the power of trade unions, and selling off public housing.

Although her statue sits atop a 10 feet high plinth under CCTV surveillance to minimise the risk of vandalism, it was lowered into place in St Peter's Hill earlier this month, despite warnings, it would be "egged" and draw boos from passing motorists.

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Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's statue has been daubed with red paint by vandals weeks following an egg-throwing protest shortly after it was installed in her hometown.

Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's statue has been daubed with red paint by vandals weeks following an egg-throwing protest shortly after it was installed in her hometown. Fences surrounding the monument have been sprayed with a hammer and sickle, a symbol used on communist flags to show solidarity. The sculpture, located in Grantham, is worth $378,960 or £300,000 and was funded through donations raised by a British historical charity. According to a spokesperson of Lincolnshire Police, ''Just before 11.15 pm yesterday, we received reports of a person shown on CCTV acting suspiciously near the site.'' Also read | Just hours after installation, new Margaret Thatcher statue faces egg throwing, booing in UK ''Officers attended and found graffiti had been spray-painted onto the barriers surrounding the statue, no damage was thought to have been caused to the statue itself.'' "This is being treated as criminal damage and an enquiry is ongoing," the spokesperson added. Authorities in London had rejected a proposal to install the statue in a square opposite parliament over concerns about "potential vandalism and civil disorder". But Thatcher's hometown Grantham in Lincolnshire in central England, where her father was a grocer, agreed to take the statue instead. Also read | 'May the 4th be with you': Former British PM Margaret Thatcher's unique connection with Star Wars day Thatcher, who was the first British female premier, led the country from 1979 to 1990. Also known as the Iron Lady, the Conservative prime minister confounded her own prediction that no women would win the job in her lifetime. She continues to deeply divide opinion, nearly a decade after her death in 2013, due to her policies of privatisation, breaking the power of trade unions, and selling off public housing. Although her statue sits atop a 10 feet high plinth under CCTV surveillance to minimise the risk of vandalism, it was lowered into place in St Peter's Hill earlier this month, despite warnings, it would be "egged" and draw boos from passing motorists. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

Former UK PM Margaret Thatcher's statue daubed with red paint by vandals weeks after egging

The national election in&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;is turning out to be a tight race in the final stretch of the campaign with the ruling conservative coalition narrowing the gap with the main opposition Labor Party.

Three days before the country decides on a new government, a poll for the Sydney Morning Herald showed that the centre-left Labor's lead over the Liberal-National coalition, which was 54-46 per cent two weeks ago, has shrunk to 51-49 per cent on a two-party preferred basis.

Another poll by 'The Guardian' indicated that it had dipped a point to 48 per cent showing the election has become too close to call.

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Describing the pre-polling trends as "really encouraging", Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison expressed confidence that his party will win the election.

Official data showed that out of 17 million voters in Australia, almost 6 million have already cast their ballots.

In comparison to 2019, an additional 1.1 million postal or early in-person votes have been received so far.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-prime-minister-scott-morrison-announces-housing-policy-before-general-election-479107">Also read |&nbsp;Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announces housing policy before general election</a>

Referring to the additional time required to count postal votes, Electoral Commissioner Tom Rogers said "If it's close, this level of postal votes makes an election night indication of who forms government less likely."&nbsp;

Acknowledging the close call in the election, shadow treasurer Jim Chalmers told ABC television "We'll be working our butts off all the way up to the close of polls."&nbsp;

The surge in inflation in Australia has caused angst among voters as it has surged twice as fast as wages which has kept real income in the red.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The national election in Australia is turning out to be a tight race in the final stretch of the campaign with the ruling conservative coalition narrowing the gap with the main opposition Labor Party.

The national election in Australia is turning out to be a tight race in the final stretch of the campaign with the ruling conservative coalition narrowing the gap with the main opposition Labor Party. Three days before the country decides on a new government, a poll for the Sydney Morning Herald showed that the centre-left Labor's lead over the Liberal-National coalition, which was 54-46 per cent two weeks ago, has shrunk to 51-49 per cent on a two-party preferred basis. Another poll by 'The Guardian' indicated that it had dipped a point to 48 per cent showing the election has become too close to call. Describing the pre-polling trends as "really encouraging", Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison expressed confidence that his party will win the election. Official data showed that out of 17 million voters in Australia, almost 6 million have already cast their ballots. In comparison to 2019, an additional 1.1 million postal or early in-person votes have been received so far. Also read | Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announces housing policy before general election Referring to the additional time required to count postal votes, Electoral Commissioner Tom Rogers said "If it's close, this level of postal votes makes an election night indication of who forms government less likely." Acknowledging the close call in the election, shadow treasurer Jim Chalmers told ABC television "We'll be working our butts off all the way up to the close of polls." The surge in inflation in Australia has caused angst among voters as it has surged twice as fast as wages which has kept real income in the red. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

Australia election: Ruling conservative coalition narrows gap with the main opposition Labor Party

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Monday defended his election pitch to allow first-time buyers to use part of their retirement savings to buy homes in a bid to lure younger voters as the campaign entered its final week.

Morrison, trailing in polls ahead of the national election on Saturday, put housing at the forefront of his election campaign amid criticism that the decision will further drive up prices forcing more people out of the market.

"It's your money, you've earned it and you've saved it in your superannuation," Morrison told Channel Seven on Monday.

Morrison said he did not see house prices rising from his policy, announced during the launch of the Liberal Party's campaign on Sunday.

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More money on deposit will lower mortgage payments providing an "added layer of comfort to our first home buyers," he said.

Under Morrison's plan, first home buyers can dip into their retirement savings for up to A$50,000 ($34,725) to raise a deposit.

Cheap loans fuelled a housing boom last year, a windfall for household wealth, but also hitting affordability.

Prices surged 22.4 per cent&nbsp;last year, the biggest increase since June 1989, with the notional value of&nbsp;Australia's 10.8 million homes rising by A$2 trillion ($1.4 trillion) to A$9.9 trillion.

Rising living costs, rated the most critical issue by voters in some polls, have put pressure on Morrison's Liberal-National coalition, that has a one-seat majority in the lower house of parliament.

Centre-left Labor, ahead in polls, described the policy as "the last desperate act of a dying government".

"It just pushes prices up. This is like throwing kerosene on a bonfire," Shadow Minister for Housing Jason Clare told ABC television.

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Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Monday defended his election pitch to allow first-time buyers to use part of their retirement savings to buy homes in a bid to lure younger voters as the campaign entered its final week.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Monday defended his election pitch to allow first-time buyers to use part of their retirement savings to buy homes in a bid to lure younger voters as the campaign entered its final week. Morrison, trailing in polls ahead of the national election on Saturday, put housing at the forefront of his election campaign amid criticism that the decision will further drive up prices forcing more people out of the market. "It's your money, you've earned it and you've saved it in your superannuation," Morrison told Channel Seven on Monday. Morrison said he did not see house prices rising from his policy, announced during the launch of the Liberal Party's campaign on Sunday. More money on deposit will lower mortgage payments providing an "added layer of comfort to our first home buyers," he said. Under Morrison's plan, first home buyers can dip into their retirement savings for up to A$50,000 ($34,725) to raise a deposit. Cheap loans fuelled a housing boom last year, a windfall for household wealth, but also hitting affordability. Prices surged 22.4 per cent last year, the biggest increase since June 1989, with the notional value of Australia's 10.8 million homes rising by A$2 trillion ($1.4 trillion) to A$9.9 trillion. Rising living costs, rated the most critical issue by voters in some polls, have put pressure on Morrison's Liberal-National coalition, that has a one-seat majority in the lower house of parliament. Centre-left Labor, ahead in polls, described the policy as "the last desperate act of a dying government". "It just pushes prices up. This is like throwing kerosene on a bonfire," Shadow Minister for Housing Jason Clare told ABC television. Watch WION's live TV here:

Australia PM defends housing pitch as election campaign enters final week

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Sunday (May 15) announced a new policy before the general election next week.

Admitting "not everything went to plan" during the country's pandemic response, Morrison said the new housing policy is aimed at boosting home ownership and curbing high prices.

Insisting that now Australia is "heading in the right direction," Morrison added that a re-elected coalition government would allow first home buyers to use a "responsible portion" of their superannuation savings to buy a house.

Calling it "a game-changer" for thousands of families, Morrison said, “This will increase the opportunity for people to downsize, and increase the supply of family housing stock in the market.”

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Talking about the Covid-19 pandemic, Morrison said "It has been one of the most challenging times we have ever known."

According to the new policy, first-time buyers can use their pension savings to purchase a home, which is likely to make the policy popular among young Australians struggling to get access to a turbocharged property market.

It also enables Australian citizens above the age of 55 to sell a home and invest up to A$300,000 ($200,000) in a superannuation fund outside existing caps.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/early-voting-begins-in-australia-election-with-opposition-ahead-in-polls-477466">Also read |&nbsp;Early voting begins in Australia election with opposition ahead in polls</a>

Morrison's Liberal Party is currently trailing behind the opposition Labor Party in election polls ahead of the May 21 vote.

Political analysts believe that this is a result of Morrison's rejected calls for ambitious climate targets even though polls consistently show around 70 per cent of Australians want more action on climate change.

They have that the new housing policy, which is an effort to put downward pressure on high house prices in an election campaign that has been dominated by cost-of-living concerns, can stoke inflation further.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Sunday (May 15) announced a new policy before the general election next week. Admitting "not everything went to plan" during the country's pandemic response, Morrison said the new housing policy is aimed at boosting home ownership and curbing high prices.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Sunday (May 15) announced a new policy before the general election next week. Admitting "not everything went to plan" during the country's pandemic response, Morrison said the new housing policy is aimed at boosting home ownership and curbing high prices. Insisting that now Australia is "heading in the right direction," Morrison added that a re-elected coalition government would allow first home buyers to use a "responsible portion" of their superannuation savings to buy a house. Calling it "a game-changer" for thousands of families, Morrison said, “This will increase the opportunity for people to downsize, and increase the supply of family housing stock in the market.” Talking about the Covid-19 pandemic, Morrison said "It has been one of the most challenging times we have ever known." According to the new policy, first-time buyers can use their pension savings to purchase a home, which is likely to make the policy popular among young Australians struggling to get access to a turbocharged property market. It also enables Australian citizens above the age of 55 to sell a home and invest up to A$300,000 ($200,000) in a superannuation fund outside existing caps. Also read | Early voting begins in Australia election with opposition ahead in polls Morrison's Liberal Party is currently trailing behind the opposition Labor Party in election polls ahead of the May 21 vote. Political analysts believe that this is a result of Morrison's rejected calls for ambitious climate targets even though polls consistently show around 70 per cent of Australians want more action on climate change. They have that the new housing policy, which is an effort to put downward pressure on high house prices in an election campaign that has been dominated by cost-of-living concerns, can stoke inflation further. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announces housing policy before general election

In order to free up billions for tax cuts, UK's Prime Minister Boris Johnson has ordered ministers to slash one-fifth of civil service jobs as per a report published in the Daily Mail.

Asking his top team to redouble their efforts to ease the financial pressure on struggling families, Johnson said "cost of living" is currently too high.

The British newspaper quoted Johnson as saying "Every pound the Government pre-empts from the taxpayer is money they can spend on their own priorities, on their own lives."

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It explained that Johnson gave his ministers a period of 30 days to cut 91,000 jobs and save 3.5 billion pounds ($4.27 billion) a year.

Highlighting the need for more officials to get back into the workplace, Johnson told the newspaper that "We need to get back into the habit of getting into the office, getting into the workplace."

"There will be lots of people who disagree with me, but I believe people are more productive, more energetic, more full of ideas, when they are surrounded by other people."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/boris-johnson-6-steps-the-west-must-take-to-help-ukraine-right-now-459725">Also read |&nbsp;Boris Johnson: 6 steps the West must take to help Ukraine right now</a>

After the Daily Mail published the report, the Scottish leader of the FDA trade union, Dave Penman tweeted "Unless they’ve got a serious plan, it's either another headline-grabbing stunt or a reckless slash-and-burn to public services without a thought or care about the consequences."

The order comes as Johnson's Conservative Party suffered heavy losses in the local election in which it lost over 50 seats.

Labour Party's leader Keir Starmer had accused Johnson's government of a cover up after it refused to release security advice issued about the controversial 2020 appointment of a Russian-born newspaper baron to parliament.

However, Johnson defended his decision of granting a peerage to Evgeny Lebedev and cited "the need to protect national security" for withholding the advice it received.&nbsp;

The embattled leader has been facing mounting pressure to resign from the opposition party after it was revealed that Johnson held booze parties during a tier III lockdown in London.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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In order to free up billions for tax cuts, UK's Prime Minister Boris Johnson has ordered ministers to slash one-fifth of civil service jobs as per a report published in the Daily Mail.

In order to free up billions for tax cuts, UK's Prime Minister Boris Johnson has ordered ministers to slash one-fifth of civil service jobs as per a report published in the Daily Mail. Asking his top team to redouble their efforts to ease the financial pressure on struggling families, Johnson said "cost of living" is currently too high. The British newspaper quoted Johnson as saying "Every pound the Government pre-empts from the taxpayer is money they can spend on their own priorities, on their own lives." It explained that Johnson gave his ministers a period of 30 days to cut 91,000 jobs and save 3.5 billion pounds ($4.27 billion) a year. Highlighting the need for more officials to get back into the workplace, Johnson told the newspaper that "We need to get back into the habit of getting into the office, getting into the workplace." "There will be lots of people who disagree with me, but I believe people are more productive, more energetic, more full of ideas, when they are surrounded by other people." Also read | Boris Johnson: 6 steps the West must take to help Ukraine right now After the Daily Mail published the report, the Scottish leader of the FDA trade union, Dave Penman tweeted "Unless they’ve got a serious plan, it's either another headline-grabbing stunt or a reckless slash-and-burn to public services without a thought or care about the consequences." The order comes as Johnson's Conservative Party suffered heavy losses in the local election in which it lost over 50 seats. Labour Party's leader Keir Starmer had accused Johnson's government of a cover up after it refused to release security advice issued about the controversial 2020 appointment of a Russian-born newspaper baron to parliament. However, Johnson defended his decision of granting a peerage to Evgeny Lebedev and cited "the need to protect national security" for withholding the advice it received. The embattled leader has been facing mounting pressure to resign from the opposition party after it was revealed that Johnson held booze parties during a tier III lockdown in London. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

Free up billions for tax cuts: Johnson orders to slash one-fifth of civil service jobs

Finally, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Conservative Party seems to have been punished by the voters for a long slew of scandals. &nbsp;

Escaping from resignation every time, the PM seems to be in a tight spot as his party has lost control of traditional strongholds in London, media reports said. &nbsp;

The Conservative Party has also suffered setbacks elsewhere in local elections. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/on-cloud-nine-bentley-witnesses-strongest-q1-registers-162-jump-in-operating-profit-to-179-million-476757" hreflang="en">Bentley witnesses strongest Q1, registers 162% jump in operating profit</a>

In southeastern England, Johnson’s party has lost support as early results had suggested. His party was ousted in Wandsworth also. In Barnet too, the Conservatives lost control. It has been held by the party for a long time. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Apart from capital, the Conservatives have also lost overall control of councils in Worcester, Southampton and West Oxfordshire. &nbsp;

Speaking in west London, Johnson, said, "We've had a tough night in some parts of the country, but on the other hand, in other parts of the country, you're still seeing Conservatives going forward and making quite remarkable gains." &nbsp;&nbsp;

"The big lesson that I take from this is that this is a message from voters that what they want us to do ... is focus on the big issues that matter to them: taking the country forward, making sure that we fix the post COVID economic aftershock," the PM told reporters. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch | Local polls: Counting underway in UK, Tories lose Wandsworth, Westminster &amp; Southampton

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The opposition, Labour Party, has won the council of Westminster for the first time. It is a district where most government institutions are located. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"Fantastic result, absolutely fantastic. Believe me, this is a big turning point for us from the depths of 2019 general election," Labour leader Keir Starmer told Reuters. &nbsp;&nbsp;

On Thursday, the elections were held for around 7,000 council seats in London, Scotland, Wales and other parts of England. &nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION.&nbsp;

Finally, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Conservative Party seems to have been punished by the voters for a long slew of scandals. Escaping from resignation every time, the PM seems to be in a tight spot as his party has lost control of traditional strongholds in London, media reports said.

Finally, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Conservative Party seems to have been punished by the voters for a long slew of scandals. Escaping from resignation every time, the PM seems to be in a tight spot as his party has lost control of traditional strongholds in London, media reports said. The Conservative Party has also suffered setbacks elsewhere in local elections. Also Read: Bentley witnesses strongest Q1, registers 162% jump in operating profit In southeastern England, Johnson’s party has lost support as early results had suggested. His party was ousted in Wandsworth also. In Barnet too, the Conservatives lost control. It has been held by the party for a long time. Apart from capital, the Conservatives have also lost overall control of councils in Worcester, Southampton and West Oxfordshire. Speaking in west London, Johnson, said, "We've had a tough night in some parts of the country, but on the other hand, in other parts of the country, you're still seeing Conservatives going forward and making quite remarkable gains." "The big lesson that I take from this is that this is a message from voters that what they want us to do ... is focus on the big issues that matter to them: taking the country forward, making sure that we fix the post COVID economic aftershock," the PM told reporters. Watch | Local polls: Counting underway in UK, Tories lose Wandsworth, Westminster & Southampton × The opposition, Labour Party, has won the council of Westminster for the first time. It is a district where most government institutions are located. "Fantastic result, absolutely fantastic. Believe me, this is a big turning point for us from the depths of 2019 general election," Labour leader Keir Starmer told Reuters. On Thursday, the elections were held for around 7,000 council seats in London, Scotland, Wales and other parts of England. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies) Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION.

Finally, UK PM's Conservative Party pays for long slew of scandals, loses strongholds in local polls

The Conservative Party on Friday (May 6) lost 53 council seats in local elections with Prime Minister Boris Johnson facing a string of recent scandals.

The early local elections, being held against the backdrop of a cost-of-living crisis, could have huge constitutional implications for the four-nation UK's future.

With predicted victors Sinn Fein committed to a vote on reunification with Ireland, the elections could prove historic in Northern Ireland.

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Deirdre Heenan, professor of social policy at Ulster University told AFP that for the first time in the troubled history of the British province Belfast, the contest for the devolved assembly could see a pro-Irish nationalist party win.&nbsp;

The ballot, which is the first electoral test for Johnson since he became the first British leader, could potentially be a pivotal mid-term popularity contest for him.

Johnson, who broke his own COVID-19 lockdown rules, is facing simmering discontent within his ruling Conservatives.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sleaze-house-of-commons-porn-misogyny-sexism-in-uk-parliament-475012">Also see |&nbsp;Sleaze House of Commons? Porn, misogyny, sexism in UK parliament</a>

Early English local election results showed the main opposition Labour Party had gained one seat and the Liberal Democrats 27 seats.&nbsp;

According to John Curtice, a professor of politics at the University of Strathclyde, "These results are confirming that the Conservatives have suffered something of a rebuff from the electorate."

Council in London, Scotland, and Wales, and a third of the seats in most of the rest of England will be elected on the basis of votes on approximately 7,000 council seats in the local election.

In 2019's general election, Johnson won the Conservative Party's biggest majority but this year it could lose control of Wandsworth borough, its flagship council in London.

(With inputs from agencies)

Watch WION's live TV here:

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Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION. 
&nbsp;

The Conservative Party on Friday (May 6) lost 53 council seats in local elections with Prime Minister Boris Johnson facing a string of recent scandals. The early local elections, being held against the backdrop of a cost-of-living crisis, could have huge constitutional implications for the four-nation UK's future.

The Conservative Party on Friday (May 6) lost 53 council seats in local elections with Prime Minister Boris Johnson facing a string of recent scandals. The early local elections, being held against the backdrop of a cost-of-living crisis, could have huge constitutional implications for the four-nation UK's future. With predicted victors Sinn Fein committed to a vote on reunification with Ireland, the elections could prove historic in Northern Ireland. Deirdre Heenan, professor of social policy at Ulster University told AFP that for the first time in the troubled history of the British province Belfast, the contest for the devolved assembly could see a pro-Irish nationalist party win. The ballot, which is the first electoral test for Johnson since he became the first British leader, could potentially be a pivotal mid-term popularity contest for him. Johnson, who broke his own COVID-19 lockdown rules, is facing simmering discontent within his ruling Conservatives. Also see | Sleaze House of Commons? Porn, misogyny, sexism in UK parliament Early English local election results showed the main opposition Labour Party had gained one seat and the Liberal Democrats 27 seats. According to John Curtice, a professor of politics at the University of Strathclyde, "These results are confirming that the Conservatives have suffered something of a rebuff from the electorate." Council in London, Scotland, and Wales, and a third of the seats in most of the rest of England will be elected on the basis of votes on approximately 7,000 council seats in the local election. In 2019's general election, Johnson won the Conservative Party's biggest majority but this year it could lose control of Wandsworth borough, its flagship council in London. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION.

UK's Conservative Party loses 53 council seats in local elections

Britain’s leading Conservative Party has lost ground in local elections to Labour and other parties in early results from across England.

Trouble for Tories predicted in early results of England's local elections

The Brits are electing their municipal councils. A survey before the polls claimed that the Conservatives could lose over 500 seats. How will a loss affect the political future of Boris Johnson? Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: UK local elections: Conservatives stare at defeat

According to a latest opinion poll, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Conservative party will lose nearly 550 seats in the upcoming local elections. It would be the worst showing since Tony Blair was Labour leader in the 1990s.

UK Local Election: Survey predicts heaviest losses for Tories in years

Survey: Tories 'set to lose 550 seats' in UK local elections

Top members of the Conservative Party have dashed Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak's hopes of becoming British prime minister as per a report published in 'The Observer'.

His popularity has plummeted in recent weeks after he accused critics of mounting a "smear" campaign against his wealthy Indian wife Akshata Murthy.

She is the daughter of Indian billionaire N. R. Narayana Murthy and was condemned for shielding the overseas income from her family's company Infosys against UK taxes.&nbsp;

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Murthy owns about 0.9 per cent of the company. Last year, this entitled her to a dividend payment worth 11.6 million pounds ($15.12 million).

Sunak also came under the most sustained pressure since he became finance minister in 2020 due to his decision to increase payroll taxes at a time when surging inflation leaves Britons facing the biggest cost-of-living squeeze since records began in 1956.

“The worry is that this is symptomatic of a party in terminal decline and that we are in a death spiral,” a former Tory minister told the Observer.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-finance-minister-rishi-sunaks-wife-agrees-to-pay-more-tax-on-foreign-income-469592">Also read |&nbsp;British finance minister Rishi Sunak's wife agrees to pay more tax on foreign income</a>

“He (Sunak) has shown colossal naivety and the way he has arranged his affairs does not suggest he is even committed to the UK, but that he is keeping open the option of a career in finance in the United States.”

Sunak has confirmed media reports that he only gave up a "green card" for the United States&nbsp;after he became Britain's finance minister.

His&nbsp;approval ratings have dropped to a new low of -15, which is even lesser than Prime Minister Boris Johnson's as per the latest opinion poll for the Observer.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-rishi-sunak-to-priti-patel-who-could-replace-uk-pm-boris-johnson-448996">Also see |&nbsp;From Rishi Sunak to Priti Patel: Who could replace UK PM Boris Johnson?</a>

Meanwhile, the Sunday Times newspaper reported that Sunak considered whether he should resign this week after a storm of criticism over his wife's tax status.

"He was considering whether he could withstand his family taking this any more," the newspaper quoted an unidentified source as saying.

“There’s going to be a full Cabinet Office and HM Treasury investigation into who had that information and if anyone has requested that information. Divulging the tax status of a private individual is a criminal offence.”

“The timing is terrible. I think his problem is that taxes have gone up a lot in his period as chancellor, which is not popular in the party or country. And we have a cost-of-living crisis. None of this looks good,” said another third senior figure in the party.

(With inputs from agencies)

Top members of the Conservative Party have dashed Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak's hopes of becoming British prime minister as per a report published in 'The Observer'.

Top members of the Conservative Party have dashed Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak's hopes of becoming British prime minister as per a report published in 'The Observer'. His popularity has plummeted in recent weeks after he accused critics of mounting a "smear" campaign against his wealthy Indian wife Akshata Murthy. She is the daughter of Indian billionaire N. R. Narayana Murthy and was condemned for shielding the overseas income from her family's company Infosys against UK taxes. Murthy owns about 0.9 per cent of the company. Last year, this entitled her to a dividend payment worth 11.6 million pounds ($15.12 million). Sunak also came under the most sustained pressure since he became finance minister in 2020 due to his decision to increase payroll taxes at a time when surging inflation leaves Britons facing the biggest cost-of-living squeeze since records began in 1956. “The worry is that this is symptomatic of a party in terminal decline and that we are in a death spiral,” a former Tory minister told the Observer. Also read | British finance minister Rishi Sunak's wife agrees to pay more tax on foreign income “He (Sunak) has shown colossal naivety and the way he has arranged his affairs does not suggest he is even committed to the UK, but that he is keeping open the option of a career in finance in the United States.” Sunak has confirmed media reports that he only gave up a "green card" for the United States after he became Britain's finance minister. His approval ratings have dropped to a new low of -15, which is even lesser than Prime Minister Boris Johnson's as per the latest opinion poll for the Observer. Also see | From Rishi Sunak to Priti Patel: Who could replace UK PM Boris Johnson? Meanwhile, the Sunday Times newspaper reported that Sunak considered whether he should resign this week after a storm of criticism over his wife's tax status. "He was considering whether he could withstand his family taking this any more," the newspaper quoted an unidentified source as saying. “There’s going to be a full Cabinet Office and HM Treasury investigation into who had that information and if anyone has requested that information. Divulging the tax status of a private individual is a criminal offence.” “The timing is terrible. I think his problem is that taxes have gone up a lot in his period as chancellor, which is not popular in the party or country. And we have a cost-of-living crisis. None of this looks good,” said another third senior figure in the party. (With inputs from agencies)

Top members of Conservative Party dash Rishi Sunak's hopes of becoming British prime minister: Report

Canadian Conservative lawmakers ousted Erin O’Toole as leader. The party selected Candice Bergen, the Conservative’s deputy head, as interim leader.

Top Canadian opposition leader Erin O’Toole ousted

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has opened an inquiry into claims by MP Nusrat Ghani that she got fired for being Muslim.

In response, she said, "As I said to the prime minister last night all I want is for this to be taken seriously and for him to investigate.

"I welcome his decision to do that now. The terms of reference of the inquiry must include all that was said in Downing Street and by the whip. I look forward to seeing the terms of reference."

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The 49-year-old told the Sunday Times that a whip said her "Muslimness was raised as an issue" at a meeting in Downing Street.

She was also told her "Muslim woman minister status was making colleagues feel uncomfortable", she claimed.

The former transport minister said she was told this by a "whip," an enforcer of parliamentary discipline.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-mp-nusrat-ghani-alleges-she-was-sacked-from-job-in-pm-johnsons-government-for-being-muslim-446911">Also read |&nbsp;UK MP Nusrat Ghani alleges she was sacked from job in PM Johnson's government for being Muslim</a>

Chief whip Mark Spencer, whose role is to keep MPs on board with the government's agenda, took the unusual step of identifying himself as the person at the centre of the claims, and strongly denied the allegations.

"These accusations are completely false and I consider them to be defamatory," he said on Twitter. "I have never used those words attributed to me."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
To ensure other Whips are not drawn into this matter, I am identifying myself as the person Nusrat Ghani MP has made claims about this evening. 
 
These accusations are completely false and I consider them to be defamatory. I have never used those words attributed to me
— Mark Spencer (@Mark_Spencer) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mark_Spencer/status/1485020127141806081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
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"We have absolutely zero tolerance for any discrimination, and any Islamophobia, in the Conservative Party," Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab told Sky News on Sunday.&nbsp;

"A claim like this, as serious as it is, should be properly reported, and then a proper investigation (should take place)."

"At the time these allegations were first made, the prime minister recommended to her that she make a formal complaint to CCHQ [Conservative Campaign Headquarters]. She did not take up this offer,'' said a number 10 spokesperson.

"The prime minister has now asked officials to establish the facts about what happened.

"As he said at the time, the prime minister takes these claims very seriously."

(With inputs from agencies)

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has opened an inquiry into claims by MP Nusrat Ghani that she got fired for being Muslim. In response, she said, "As I said to the prime minister last night all I want is for this to be taken seriously and for him to investigate.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has opened an inquiry into claims by MP Nusrat Ghani that she got fired for being Muslim. In response, she said, "As I said to the prime minister last night all I want is for this to be taken seriously and for him to investigate. "I welcome his decision to do that now. The terms of reference of the inquiry must include all that was said in Downing Street and by the whip. I look forward to seeing the terms of reference." The 49-year-old told the Sunday Times that a whip said her "Muslimness was raised as an issue" at a meeting in Downing Street. She was also told her "Muslim woman minister status was making colleagues feel uncomfortable", she claimed. The former transport minister said she was told this by a "whip," an enforcer of parliamentary discipline. Also read | UK MP Nusrat Ghani alleges she was sacked from job in PM Johnson's government for being Muslim Chief whip Mark Spencer, whose role is to keep MPs on board with the government's agenda, took the unusual step of identifying himself as the person at the centre of the claims, and strongly denied the allegations. "These accusations are completely false and I consider them to be defamatory," he said on Twitter. "I have never used those words attributed to me." To ensure other Whips are not drawn into this matter, I am identifying myself as the person Nusrat Ghani MP has made claims about this evening. These accusations are completely false and I consider them to be defamatory. I have never used those words attributed to me — Mark Spencer (@Mark_Spencer) January 22, 2022 × "We have absolutely zero tolerance for any discrimination, and any Islamophobia, in the Conservative Party," Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab told Sky News on Sunday. "A claim like this, as serious as it is, should be properly reported, and then a proper investigation (should take place)." "At the time these allegations were first made, the prime minister recommended to her that she make a formal complaint to CCHQ [Conservative Campaign Headquarters]. She did not take up this offer,'' said a number 10 spokesperson. "The prime minister has now asked officials to establish the facts about what happened. "As he said at the time, the prime minister takes these claims very seriously." (With inputs from agencies)

UK PM Boris Johnson opens inquiry into claims by MP that she got fired for being Muslim

Britain’s Conservative Party on Friday crashed to an election defeat in a district it had represented for more than a century, dealing a second stinging blow to Prime Minister Boris Johnson in a week of political turmoil that has shaken his leadership.

In a contest Thursday to select a new member of Parliament for North Shropshire, a district near the border with Wales, to the northwest of London, voters abandoned the Conservatives in favor of the centrist Liberal Democrats in one of the biggest voting upsets of recent years.

The victorious Liberal Democrat candidate, Helen Morgan, overturned a majority of almost 23,000 won by the former Conservative lawmaker, Owen Paterson at the last general election, in 2019. Paterson, a former Cabinet minister who had held the seat since 1997, resigned last month after breaking lobbying rules despite an unsuccessful effort by Johnson to save him.

Watch | Gravitas:&nbsp;Boris Johnson to face no-confidence vote soon?

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The defeat follows a rebellion Tuesday in which around 100 of Johnson’s own lawmakers refused to support government plans to control the rapid spread of the omicron coronavirus variant. As well as embarrassing Johnson, the mutiny forced him to rely on the support of the opposition Labour Party to pass the measures, sapping his authority.

Johnson’s standing has also been weakened by claims that his staff held Christmas parties in Downing Street last year at a time when they were forbidden under coronavirus restrictions. The Cabinet secretary, Simon Case, is investigating those allegations and his report is expected soon.

When the results in North Shropshire were announced early Friday, Morgan had secured 17,957 votes; Neil Shastri-Hurst, the Conservative, had gotten 12,032; and Ben Wood, for Labour, had received 3,686. The vote counting for Thursday’s election took place overnight.

“Tonight the people of North Shropshire have spoken on behalf of the British people,” Morgan said after her victory. “They have said loudly and clearly, ‘Boris Johnson, the party is over.’ ”

She added that the voters had decided that Johnson was “unfit to lead and that they want a change.” She thanked Labour supporters who had given her their votes saying, “Together, we have shown that we can defeat the Conservatives not with deals behind closed doors, but with common sense at the ballot box.”

Although the Liberal Democrats had hoped to pull off a surprise victory, the size of their majority was striking and unexpected. Ed Davey, the leader of the party, described the result as “a watershed moment,” adding in a statement: “Millions of people are fed up with Boris Johnson and his failure to provide leadership throughout the pandemic, and last night, the voters of North Shropshire spoke for all of them.”

On Friday, Johnson said he accepted responsibility for the result.

“I totally understand people’s frustrations,” he said. “I hear what the voters are saying in North Shropshire. In all humility, I’ve got to accept that verdict.”

However, in an interview with Sky News, he also appeared to blame the news media, saying that “in the last few weeks, some things have been going very well, but what the people have been hearing is just a constant litany of stuff about politics and politicians.”

Oliver Dowden, chairman of the Conservative Party, also acknowledged the scale of the defeat.

“I know that voters in North Shropshire are fed up, and I know that they have given us a kicking,” he told the BBC, adding that he and his party had “heard that message from them loud and clear.”

Even before the loss of the seat, there was speculation that Johnson could face a formal challenge to his leadership a little more than two years after he won a landslide general election victory in December 2019.

To initiate a no-confidence vote, 54 of Johnson's lawmakers would have to write to Graham Brady, the chairman of the committee that represents Conservative backbenchers. Such letters are confidential but analysts do not believe that prospect is close. Parliament is now in recess, giving the prime minister a short political breathing space.

Even so, Friday’s result is likely to increase jitters in Downing Street because North Shropshire was one of the Conservative Party’s safest seats, in an area of Britain that supported Brexit, Johnson’s defining political project.

Despite their pro-European stance, the Liberal Democrats — who finished well behind Labour in North Shropshire in the 2019 general election — successfully presented themselves as the only credible challengers to the Tories in the constituency.

By doing so they appeared to have persuaded a significant number of Labour’s voters to switch to them in order to defeat the Conservatives. This year the Liberal Democrats caused an upset when they won a seat from Johnson’s party in the well-heeled district of Chesham and Amersham, northwest of London.

To some extent, the circumstances of Paterson’s resignation always made the North Shropshire seat hard to defend for the Conservative Party. But critics say that Johnson was the main architect of that situation through his unsuccessful efforts to save Paterson last month.

In addition to the furor over the Christmas parties, Johnson also faces questions about whether he misled his own ethics adviser over what he knew about the source of funding for an expensive makeover of his Downing Street apartment.

Roger Gale, a veteran Conservative lawmaker and a critic of Johnson, told Sky News that the prime minister had about three weeks over the holiday period to regroup, but would have to do so very fast.

“We’ve had two strikes: First of all, the Conservative Party in the House of Commons earlier this week, now this result,” Gale said. “One more strike and I think he’s out.”

In recent weeks Labour has moved ahead of the Conservatives in several opinion surveys which also recorded a drop in Johnson’s approval ratings. Political analysts said that could put the prime minister in a vulnerable position, given the transactional nature of his party.

“The Tory Party is a ruthless machine for winning elections,” said Jonathan Powell, a former chief of staff to Prime Minister Tony Blair. “If that is continuing into an election cycle, the party will get rid of him quickly.”

But, while the political climate remains volatile, most voters are probably more preoccupied by the effect of the omicron variant as they prepare for the holiday season.

Johnson has placed his hopes of political recovery on a speedy roll out of coronavirus vaccine boosters. This year his fortunes revived when Britain’s initial vaccination effort proved fast and effective, allowing the country to remove all restrictions in July.

Speaking before the North Shropshire result, Matthew Goodwin, a professor of politics at the University of Kent, said that Johnson could recover but may also be in danger of handing the next election to Labour through his errors.

“I don’t think it’s over for Johnson,” Goodwin said. “I think this is salvageable.” But, he added, “Johnson has entered that territory whereby oppositions don’t necessarily win elections because governments end up losing them.”

Britain’s Conservative Party on Friday crashed to an election defeat in a district it had represented for more than a century, dealing a second stinging blow to Prime Minister Boris Johnson in a week of political turmoil that has shaken his leadership.

Britain’s Conservative Party on Friday crashed to an election defeat in a district it had represented for more than a century, dealing a second stinging blow to Prime Minister Boris Johnson in a week of political turmoil that has shaken his leadership. In a contest Thursday to select a new member of Parliament for North Shropshire, a district near the border with Wales, to the northwest of London, voters abandoned the Conservatives in favor of the centrist Liberal Democrats in one of the biggest voting upsets of recent years. The victorious Liberal Democrat candidate, Helen Morgan, overturned a majority of almost 23,000 won by the former Conservative lawmaker, Owen Paterson at the last general election, in 2019. Paterson, a former Cabinet minister who had held the seat since 1997, resigned last month after breaking lobbying rules despite an unsuccessful effort by Johnson to save him. Watch | Gravitas: Boris Johnson to face no-confidence vote soon? The defeat follows a rebellion Tuesday in which around 100 of Johnson’s own lawmakers refused to support government plans to control the rapid spread of the omicron coronavirus variant. As well as embarrassing Johnson, the mutiny forced him to rely on the support of the opposition Labour Party to pass the measures, sapping his authority. Johnson’s standing has also been weakened by claims that his staff held Christmas parties in Downing Street last year at a time when they were forbidden under coronavirus restrictions. The Cabinet secretary, Simon Case, is investigating those allegations and his report is expected soon. When the results in North Shropshire were announced early Friday, Morgan had secured 17,957 votes; Neil Shastri-Hurst, the Conservative, had gotten 12,032; and Ben Wood, for Labour, had received 3,686. The vote counting for Thursday’s election took place overnight. “Tonight the people of North Shropshire have spoken on behalf of the British people,” Morgan said after her victory. “They have said loudly and clearly, ‘Boris Johnson, the party is over.’ ” She added that the voters had decided that Johnson was “unfit to lead and that they want a change.” She thanked Labour supporters who had given her their votes saying, “Together, we have shown that we can defeat the Conservatives not with deals behind closed doors, but with common sense at the ballot box.” Although the Liberal Democrats had hoped to pull off a surprise victory, the size of their majority was striking and unexpected. Ed Davey, the leader of the party, described the result as “a watershed moment,” adding in a statement: “Millions of people are fed up with Boris Johnson and his failure to provide leadership throughout the pandemic, and last night, the voters of North Shropshire spoke for all of them.” On Friday, Johnson said he accepted responsibility for the result. “I totally understand people’s frustrations,” he said. “I hear what the voters are saying in North Shropshire. In all humility, I’ve got to accept that verdict.” However, in an interview with Sky News, he also appeared to blame the news media, saying that “in the last few weeks, some things have been going very well, but what the people have been hearing is just a constant litany of stuff about politics and politicians.” Oliver Dowden, chairman of the Conservative Party, also acknowledged the scale of the defeat. “I know that voters in North Shropshire are fed up, and I know that they have given us a kicking,” he told the BBC, adding that he and his party had “heard that message from them loud and clear.” Even before the loss of the seat, there was speculation that Johnson could face a formal challenge to his leadership a little more than two years after he won a landslide general election victory in December 2019. To initiate a no-confidence vote, 54 of Johnson's lawmakers would have to write to Graham Brady, the chairman of the committee that represents Conservative backbenchers. Such letters are confidential but analysts do not believe that prospect is close. Parliament is now in recess, giving the prime minister a short political breathing space. Even so, Friday’s result is likely to increase jitters in Downing Street because North Shropshire was one of the Conservative Party’s safest seats, in an area of Britain that supported Brexit, Johnson’s defining political project. Despite their pro-European stance, the Liberal Democrats — who finished well behind Labour in North Shropshire in the 2019 general election — successfully presented themselves as the only credible challengers to the Tories in the constituency. By doing so they appeared to have persuaded a significant number of Labour’s voters to switch to them in order to defeat the Conservatives. This year the Liberal Democrats caused an upset when they won a seat from Johnson’s party in the well-heeled district of Chesham and Amersham, northwest of London. To some extent, the circumstances of Paterson’s resignation always made the North Shropshire seat hard to defend for the Conservative Party. But critics say that Johnson was the main architect of that situation through his unsuccessful efforts to save Paterson last month. In addition to the furor over the Christmas parties, Johnson also faces questions about whether he misled his own ethics adviser over what he knew about the source of funding for an expensive makeover of his Downing Street apartment. Roger Gale, a veteran Conservative lawmaker and a critic of Johnson, told Sky News that the prime minister had about three weeks over the holiday period to regroup, but would have to do so very fast. “We’ve had two strikes: First of all, the Conservative Party in the House of Commons earlier this week, now this result,” Gale said. “One more strike and I think he’s out.” In recent weeks Labour has moved ahead of the Conservatives in several opinion surveys which also recorded a drop in Johnson’s approval ratings. Political analysts said that could put the prime minister in a vulnerable position, given the transactional nature of his party. “The Tory Party is a ruthless machine for winning elections,” said Jonathan Powell, a former chief of staff to Prime Minister Tony Blair. “If that is continuing into an election cycle, the party will get rid of him quickly.” But, while the political climate remains volatile, most voters are probably more preoccupied by the effect of the omicron variant as they prepare for the holiday season. Johnson has placed his hopes of political recovery on a speedy roll out of coronavirus vaccine boosters. This year his fortunes revived when Britain’s initial vaccination effort proved fast and effective, allowing the country to remove all restrictions in July. Speaking before the North Shropshire result, Matthew Goodwin, a professor of politics at the University of Kent, said that Johnson could recover but may also be in danger of handing the next election to Labour through his errors. “I don’t think it’s over for Johnson,” Goodwin said. “I think this is salvageable.” But, he added, “Johnson has entered that territory whereby oppositions don’t necessarily win elections because governments end up losing them.”

Britain's Conservatives lose 'safe' seat, dealing blow to Boris Johnson

UK Cabinet Secretary Simon Case has removed himself from the role of the head of the committee that is probing the alleged claims of parties held in Downing Street during last Christmas.

''To ensure the ongoing investigation retains public confidence the cabinet secretary has recused himself for the remainder of the process,'' said a statement from the office.

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"The work will be concluded by Sue Gray, second permanent secretary at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

"She will ascertain the facts and present her findings to the prime minister."

A video emerged earlier this month showing Johnson's staff laughing and joking about a Downing Street party during a 2020 Christmas lockdown when such festivities were banned, resulting in condemnation from political opponents and the public.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/another-revelation-another-party-uk-pm-johnson-flouted-covid-rules-attending-yet-another-party-last-year-437588">Also read |&nbsp;Another revelation, another party: UK PM Johnson flouted covid rules attending yet another party last year</a>

Johnson, who has said he had been assured COVID rules were not broken and that there had been no party, asked Case to investigate.

The 57-year-old was already reeling from a series of scandals and setbacks, including around 100 of his lawmakers rebelling in parliament on Tuesday against the government's introduction of vaccine passes for large events.

He took "personal responsibility" for a crushing by-election defeat in a constituency never previously lost by his Conservative party.

The historic loss in a seat Johnson's ruling Tories held with a massive majority just two years ago came as, the government reported more than 93,000 new Covid-19 infections.

(With inputs from agencies)

UK Cabinet Secretary Simon Case has removed himself from the role of the head of the committee that is probing the alleged claims of parties held in Downing Street during last Christmas.

UK Cabinet Secretary Simon Case has removed himself from the role of the head of the committee that is probing the alleged claims of parties held in Downing Street during last Christmas. ''To ensure the ongoing investigation retains public confidence the cabinet secretary has recused himself for the remainder of the process,'' said a statement from the office. "The work will be concluded by Sue Gray, second permanent secretary at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. "She will ascertain the facts and present her findings to the prime minister." A video emerged earlier this month showing Johnson's staff laughing and joking about a Downing Street party during a 2020 Christmas lockdown when such festivities were banned, resulting in condemnation from political opponents and the public. Also read | Another revelation, another party: UK PM Johnson flouted covid rules attending yet another party last year Johnson, who has said he had been assured COVID rules were not broken and that there had been no party, asked Case to investigate. The 57-year-old was already reeling from a series of scandals and setbacks, including around 100 of his lawmakers rebelling in parliament on Tuesday against the government's introduction of vaccine passes for large events. He took "personal responsibility" for a crushing by-election defeat in a constituency never previously lost by his Conservative party. The historic loss in a seat Johnson's ruling Tories held with a massive majority just two years ago came as, the government reported more than 93,000 new Covid-19 infections. (With inputs from agencies)

UK Cabinet Secretary Simon Case distances himself from Christmas party investigation

British MPs have voted in favour of imposing new Coronavirus measures to combat Omicron variant, despite a significant Tory rebellion. Prime Minister Boris Johnson suffered the biggest rebellion of his time, with the government relying on the support of the opposition Labour Party to get the measures passed.

UK MPs vote in favour of new Coronavirus measures

British MPs have voted for further measures to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, despite a sizeable rebellion against the measures from within Prime Minister Boris Johnson's own Conservative party.

UK MPs vote for new COVID measures, amid rebellion against PM Boris Johnson

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing a rebellion as members of the parliament are set to vote on the latest coronavirus restrictions imposed by him.

At least 60 angry Tory MPs are reported to be set to rebel over the restrictions at a series of votes to make them law.

These include the government's new rules on mask-wearing, testing, self-isolation, and vaccine passes, warning they undermine public freedoms.

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They have accused Johnson and his ministers of enforcing "disproportionate" curbs based on incomplete evidence.

Despite having a majority with 80 seats, that has forced the government to turn to the main opposition Labour party, which supports the package, to push the votes through.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/caught-red-handed-uk-pm-boris-johnson-partook-in-christmas-quiz-at-no-10-in-2020-436196" hreflang="en">Caught red-handed? UK PM Boris Johnson partook in Christmas quiz at No 10 in 2020</a>

This comes after Johnson faced criticism over reported parties in his Downing Street office last year when such gatherings were banned during a coronavirus lockdown, questions over who funded a pricey refurbishment of his apartment, and the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Defending Johnson, Health Secretary Sajid Javid said Omicron was "a grave threat" and even though hospital admissions were low, action was needed.

"They are measures that I think the situation demands, because when the facts change, our response must change too," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/conservative-party-loses-poll-lead-over-labour-after-johnsons-christmas-party-scandal-435847" hreflang="en">Conservative Party loses poll lead over Labour after Johnson's Christmas party scandal</a>

Several Conservative lawmakers say some colleagues have written letters of no confidence in Johnson, the first step required to seek a leadership challenge.

The Conservatives have 361 MPs, so 55 would need to write such letters for a confidence vote to be called.

"The Conservative party has always been very ruthless when it comes to getting rid of leaders that were not working," said political commentator Robin Pettitt.

Johnson swept to power in 2019 on a wave of popular support for his pledge to enforce Britain's departure from the European Union.

(With inputs from agencies)

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing a rebellion as members of the parliament are set to vote on the latest coronavirus restrictions imposed by him. At least 60 angry Tory MPs are reported to be set to rebel over the restrictions at a series of votes to make them law.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing a rebellion as members of the parliament are set to vote on the latest coronavirus restrictions imposed by him. At least 60 angry Tory MPs are reported to be set to rebel over the restrictions at a series of votes to make them law. These include the government's new rules on mask-wearing, testing, self-isolation, and vaccine passes, warning they undermine public freedoms. They have accused Johnson and his ministers of enforcing "disproportionate" curbs based on incomplete evidence. Despite having a majority with 80 seats, that has forced the government to turn to the main opposition Labour party, which supports the package, to push the votes through. Also read | Caught red-handed? UK PM Boris Johnson partook in Christmas quiz at No 10 in 2020 This comes after Johnson faced criticism over reported parties in his Downing Street office last year when such gatherings were banned during a coronavirus lockdown, questions over who funded a pricey refurbishment of his apartment, and the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. Defending Johnson, Health Secretary Sajid Javid said Omicron was "a grave threat" and even though hospital admissions were low, action was needed. "They are measures that I think the situation demands, because when the facts change, our response must change too," he said. Also read | Conservative Party loses poll lead over Labour after Johnson's Christmas party scandal Several Conservative lawmakers say some colleagues have written letters of no confidence in Johnson, the first step required to seek a leadership challenge. The Conservatives have 361 MPs, so 55 would need to write such letters for a confidence vote to be called. "The Conservative party has always been very ruthless when it comes to getting rid of leaders that were not working," said political commentator Robin Pettitt. Johnson swept to power in 2019 on a wave of popular support for his pledge to enforce Britain's departure from the European Union. (With inputs from agencies)

Angry Conservative MPs can rebel against UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson

The Conservative Party in the UK lost their poll lead after a video of Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Christmas party amid last year's lockdown went viral.

The rating of the party, also known as Tories dropped 3 percentage points from December 2 to 33 per cent of the vote while Labour rose 4 percentage points to 37 per cent in the poll conducted by YouGov.

Another poll held by Survation put Labour on 40 per cent of the vote, up 1 percentage point, and Johnson's Conservatives down 2 to 34 per cent.

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Party furor deepened for Britain's Johnson after Downing Street Press Secretary Allegra Stratton quit.

She was seen at a rehearsal for a daily briefing laughing and joking about a reported gathering.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-party-video-row-uk-pm-johnsons-adviser-allegra-stratton-quits-435333">Also read |&nbsp;'Covid party' video row: UK PM Johnson's adviser Allegra Stratton quits</a>

At the time, there were limits on numbers allowed at social gatherings, including a ban on mixing between households, that forced millions to cancel their Christmas plans.

Several snap polls indicated a majority of people now think Johnson should resign.

Earlier, the Conservative Party was fined $23,500 for funding a renovation at Johnson's official residence as it failed to properly disclose a donation of $90,000.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/work-from-home-and-vaccine-passports-uk-pm-introduces-plan-b-to-battle-surge-in-covid-cases-435295">Also read |&nbsp;Work from home and vaccine passports: UK PM introduces Plan B to battle surge in Covid cases</a>

Johnson has faced criticism in recent months over his handling of a sleaze scandal along with a claim he intervened to ensure pets were evacuated from Kabul during the chaotic Western withdrawal in August.

Matt Hancock had resigned in June as health secretary after he broke social distancing rules he urged everyone to follow by being pictured in a steamy clinch with an aide.

Johnson's former closest aide, Dominic Cummings, sparked fury by driving across the country while suffering Covid symptoms during the first lockdown.

In 2019, Johnson had won a landslide victory and procured 365 of 650 seats with Brexit as his main focus.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Conservative Party in the UK lost their poll lead after a video of Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Christmas party amid last year's lockdown went viral. The rating of the party, also known as Tories dropped 3 percentage points from December 2 to 33 per cent of the vote while Labour rose 4 percentage points to 37 per cent in the poll conducted by YouGov.

The Conservative Party in the UK lost their poll lead after a video of Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Christmas party amid last year's lockdown went viral. The rating of the party, also known as Tories dropped 3 percentage points from December 2 to 33 per cent of the vote while Labour rose 4 percentage points to 37 per cent in the poll conducted by YouGov. Another poll held by Survation put Labour on 40 per cent of the vote, up 1 percentage point, and Johnson's Conservatives down 2 to 34 per cent. Party furor deepened for Britain's Johnson after Downing Street Press Secretary Allegra Stratton quit. She was seen at a rehearsal for a daily briefing laughing and joking about a reported gathering. Also read | 'Covid party' video row: UK PM Johnson's adviser Allegra Stratton quits At the time, there were limits on numbers allowed at social gatherings, including a ban on mixing between households, that forced millions to cancel their Christmas plans. Several snap polls indicated a majority of people now think Johnson should resign. Earlier, the Conservative Party was fined $23,500 for funding a renovation at Johnson's official residence as it failed to properly disclose a donation of $90,000. Also read | Work from home and vaccine passports: UK PM introduces Plan B to battle surge in Covid cases Johnson has faced criticism in recent months over his handling of a sleaze scandal along with a claim he intervened to ensure pets were evacuated from Kabul during the chaotic Western withdrawal in August. Matt Hancock had resigned in June as health secretary after he broke social distancing rules he urged everyone to follow by being pictured in a steamy clinch with an aide. Johnson's former closest aide, Dominic Cummings, sparked fury by driving across the country while suffering Covid symptoms during the first lockdown. In 2019, Johnson had won a landslide victory and procured 365 of 650 seats with Brexit as his main focus. (With inputs from agencies)

Conservative Party loses poll lead over Labour after Johnson's Christmas party scandal

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has denied flouting coronavirus norms at a party held in 10, Downing Street.

Johnson has been accused of hosting a packed party that violated restrictions imposed across the country last year on Christmas.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Was Boris partying when Britain locked down?

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Alcohol flowed heavily&nbsp;at the ''cheek by jowl'' and was attended by 40 to 50 people as per reports by the British media.

Upon being questioned about the incident by Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, Johnson said ''all guidance was followed.''

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-president-reportedly-called-british-pm-boris-johnson-a-clown-amid-diplomatic-spat-433496">Macron reportedly called British PM a 'clown' amid diplomatic spat</a>

However, he did not deny gatherings took place during a tier 3 lockdown in London.

According to legal experts, if found guilty, he will be required to pay a hefty fine of up to £10,000.

UK is one of the worst-hit countries due to the&nbsp;virus&nbsp;with over 10 million COVID-19 cases and more than 145,000 fatalities.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-johnson-imposes-new-measures-after-uk-reports-omicron-variant-cases-432441">Also read |&nbsp;PM Johnson imposes new measures after UK reports Omicron variant cases</a>

Johnson's government has been accused of 'staggering hypocrisy' as political row stalks illegal lobbying by Conservative MP Owen Paterson.

Johnson faced separate claims of double standards after he flew back from the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow to London.

Reports said he returned for a reunion dinner at a men-only private club with old newspaper colleagues.

It happened after he warned world leaders in Glasgow that future generations "will not forgive us" if they fail to confront climate change.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has denied flouting coronavirus norms at a party held in 10, Downing Street. Johnson has been accused of hosting a packed party that violated restrictions imposed across the country last year on Christmas.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has denied flouting coronavirus norms at a party held in 10, Downing Street. Johnson has been accused of hosting a packed party that violated restrictions imposed across the country last year on Christmas. Watch | Gravitas: Was Boris partying when Britain locked down? Alcohol flowed heavily at the ''cheek by jowl'' and was attended by 40 to 50 people as per reports by the British media. Upon being questioned about the incident by Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, Johnson said ''all guidance was followed.'' Also read | Macron reportedly called British PM a 'clown' amid diplomatic spat However, he did not deny gatherings took place during a tier 3 lockdown in London. According to legal experts, if found guilty, he will be required to pay a hefty fine of up to £10,000. UK is one of the worst-hit countries due to the virus with over 10 million COVID-19 cases and more than 145,000 fatalities. Also read | PM Johnson imposes new measures after UK reports Omicron variant cases Johnson's government has been accused of 'staggering hypocrisy' as political row stalks illegal lobbying by Conservative MP Owen Paterson. Johnson faced separate claims of double standards after he flew back from the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow to London. Reports said he returned for a reunion dinner at a men-only private club with old newspaper colleagues. It happened after he warned world leaders in Glasgow that future generations "will not forgive us" if they fail to confront climate change. (With inputs from agencies)

British PM Boris Johnson denies flouting coronavirus restrictions at boozy party held in Downing Street

Two women, including a Conservative lawmaker, have accused British Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/boris-johnson?page=1">Boris Johnson</a>'s father accused of inappropriately touching them.

In an interview with Sky News, Caroline Nokes said Stanley Johnson&nbsp;smacked her on the bottom.

''I can remember a really prominent man, at the time the Conservative candidate for Teignbridge in Devon, smacking me on the backside about as hard as he could and going, 'oh, Romsey, you've got a lovely seat.''

The incident took place at the party's annual conference in 2003 when they were both parliamentary candidates ahead of an election.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-win-love-uk-pm-boris-johnson-pledged-to-help-former-lover-jennifer-arcuris-business-says-report-429215">Also read |&nbsp;To win love, UK PM Boris Johnson pledged to help former lover Jennifer Arcuri's business, says report</a>

Accusing Johnson of smacking her on the bottom, she added ''I would have been in my early 30s, so old enough, old enough to call it out … I now regard it as a duty, an absolute duty, to call out wherever you see it. Be the noisy, aggravating, aggressive woman in the room because if I’m not prepared to do that, then my daughter won’t be prepared to do that … you do get to a point where you go, ‘up with this, I will not put’.''

After the allegations made by Nokes, political correspondent for the New Statesman Alibhe Rea tweeted Johnson had ''groped me at a party at Conservative conference in 2019.''

''I am grateful to Caroline Nokes for calling out something that none of us should have to put up with, not least from the Prime Minister's father,'' she added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/priti-patel-furious-as-boris-johnson-blocks-public-sexual-harassment-law-419621">Also read |&nbsp;Priti Patel furious as Boris Johnson blocks public sexual harassment law</a>

In response, Stanley Johnson said, ''I have no recollection of Caroline Nokes at all, but there you go. And no reply.''

Nokes is currently the chair of parliament's Women and Equalities Select Committee and a former government minister.

She has been a member of parliament for Romsey and Southampton North since 2010.

Stanley Johnson is a former politician who worked for the World Bank and for the European Commission.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Two women, including a Conservative lawmaker, have accused British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's father accused of inappropriately touching them. In an interview with Sky News, Caroline Nokes said Stanley Johnson smacked her on the bottom.

Two women, including a Conservative lawmaker, have accused British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's father accused of inappropriately touching them. In an interview with Sky News, Caroline Nokes said Stanley Johnson smacked her on the bottom. ''I can remember a really prominent man, at the time the Conservative candidate for Teignbridge in Devon, smacking me on the backside about as hard as he could and going, 'oh, Romsey, you've got a lovely seat.'' The incident took place at the party's annual conference in 2003 when they were both parliamentary candidates ahead of an election. Also read | To win love, UK PM Boris Johnson pledged to help former lover Jennifer Arcuri's business, says report Accusing Johnson of smacking her on the bottom, she added ''I would have been in my early 30s, so old enough, old enough to call it out … I now regard it as a duty, an absolute duty, to call out wherever you see it. Be the noisy, aggravating, aggressive woman in the room because if I’m not prepared to do that, then my daughter won’t be prepared to do that … you do get to a point where you go, ‘up with this, I will not put’.'' After the allegations made by Nokes, political correspondent for the New Statesman Alibhe Rea tweeted Johnson had ''groped me at a party at Conservative conference in 2019.'' ''I am grateful to Caroline Nokes for calling out something that none of us should have to put up with, not least from the Prime Minister's father,'' she added. Also read | Priti Patel furious as Boris Johnson blocks public sexual harassment law In response, Stanley Johnson said, ''I have no recollection of Caroline Nokes at all, but there you go. And no reply.'' Nokes is currently the chair of parliament's Women and Equalities Select Committee and a former government minister. She has been a member of parliament for Romsey and Southampton North since 2010. Stanley Johnson is a former politician who worked for the World Bank and for the European Commission. (With inputs from agencies)

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's father accused of inappropriately touching women

The British government has voted to protect ''sleazy'' MP Owen Paterson from being suspended in an embarrassing U-turn.

Paterson was facing a 30 days suspension by the House of Commons for breaching rules on lobbying, which paid him nearly three times his annual salary.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is being accused of ''staggering hypocrisy'' for letting the former minister off the hook.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-boris-johnson-accused-of-hypocrisy-for-using-private-jet-after-cop26-summit-426684">Boris Johnson accused of 'hypocrisy' for using private jet after COP26 summit</a>

He was already facing criticism due to his decision of flying in a private jet during his return from the COP26 climate summit.&nbsp;

Downing Street defended Johnson's decision to fly back to London rather than take the train, pleading time constraints and saying the carbon emissions were offset.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/climate-pledges-just-a-gimmick-for-uk-pm-boris-johnson-cop26-426649/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Now, the government's plan to overhaul the system for combating parliamentary corruption faced damning headlines in the country.

According to Paterson, ''The last two years have been an indescribable nightmare for my family and me.''

''I maintain that I am totally innocent of what I have been accused of.''

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-becomes-first-country-to-approve-mercks-anti-covid-19-pill-426742" hreflang="en">Britain becomes first country to approve Merck's anti-COVID-19 pill</a>

Caroline Lucas, Britain's only Green MP said ''They started the week lecturing the world on going green while backing new oil and gas in the North Sea, and now they're talking of 'due process' while voting to help one of their own escape punishment.''

''This is a 'do as I say, not as I do' government whose credibility in both Britain and abroad is sinking fast,'' she said.

Meanwhile, Conservative lawmaker Mark Harper, who rebelled against his party to oppose the plans, said ''This is one of the most unedifying episodes I have seen in my 16 years as a Member of Parliament.''

The opposition Labour leader Keir Starmer accused the government of corruption and said Johnson was "leading his troops through the sewer".

"Boris Johnson must now apologise to the entire country for this grubby attempt to cover up for the misdemeanour of his friend," Starmer said. "This isn't the first time he's done this but it must be the last."

The UK government went into COP26 accused of double standards on another front, after cutting its budget for foreign aid, having spent gargantuan sums on the coronavirus pandemic.

(With inputs from agencies)

The British government has voted to protect ''sleazy'' MP Owen Paterson from being suspended in an embarrassing U-turn. Paterson was facing a 30 days suspension by the House of Commons for breaching rules on lobbying, which paid him nearly three times his annual salary.

The British government has voted to protect ''sleazy'' MP Owen Paterson from being suspended in an embarrassing U-turn. Paterson was facing a 30 days suspension by the House of Commons for breaching rules on lobbying, which paid him nearly three times his annual salary. Prime Minister Boris Johnson is being accused of ''staggering hypocrisy'' for letting the former minister off the hook. Also read | Boris Johnson accused of 'hypocrisy' for using private jet after COP26 summit He was already facing criticism due to his decision of flying in a private jet during his return from the COP26 climate summit. Downing Street defended Johnson's decision to fly back to London rather than take the train, pleading time constraints and saying the carbon emissions were offset. Now, the government's plan to overhaul the system for combating parliamentary corruption faced damning headlines in the country. According to Paterson, ''The last two years have been an indescribable nightmare for my family and me.'' ''I maintain that I am totally innocent of what I have been accused of.'' Also read | Britain becomes first country to approve Merck's anti-COVID-19 pill Caroline Lucas, Britain's only Green MP said ''They started the week lecturing the world on going green while backing new oil and gas in the North Sea, and now they're talking of 'due process' while voting to help one of their own escape punishment.'' ''This is a 'do as I say, not as I do' government whose credibility in both Britain and abroad is sinking fast,'' she said. Meanwhile, Conservative lawmaker Mark Harper, who rebelled against his party to oppose the plans, said ''This is one of the most unedifying episodes I have seen in my 16 years as a Member of Parliament.'' The opposition Labour leader Keir Starmer accused the government of corruption and said Johnson was "leading his troops through the sewer". "Boris Johnson must now apologise to the entire country for this grubby attempt to cover up for the misdemeanour of his friend," Starmer said. "This isn't the first time he's done this but it must be the last." The UK government went into COP26 accused of double standards on another front, after cutting its budget for foreign aid, having spent gargantuan sums on the coronavirus pandemic. (With inputs from agencies)

U-turn: British government votes to protect 'sleazy' MP Owen Paterson from suspension

Britons are lining up for gas, staring at empty grocery shelves, paying higher taxes and worrying about spiraling prices as a grim winter approaches.

But to visit the Conservative Party conference in Manchester this past week was to enter a kind of happy valley, where Cabinet ministers danced, sang karaoke and drained flutes of Champagne — Pol Roger, Winston Churchill’s favorite brand, naturally.

Nobody captured the bonhomie better than Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who told a whooping crowd of party faithful, “You all represent the most jiving, hip, happening and generally funkapolitan party in the world.”

The cognitive dissonance extended beyond the Mardi Gras atmosphere. In his upbeat keynote speech, Johnson characterized the multiple ills afflicting Britain as a “function of growth and economic revival” — challenging but necessary post-Brexit adjustments on the way to a more prosperous future.

It was at least his third explanation for the food and fuel shortages, which continued in some areas after three weeks. Initially, he denied there was a crisis. Then, he said the shortages were not about Brexit — contradicting analysts, union leaders, food producers and business owners — but were hitting every Western country as they emerged from the pandemic. And finally, he cited the stresses as evidence that Brexit was doing its job in shaking up the economy.

“It is the ultimate in post-hoc rationalization — the idea that this is a well-thought-out plan, that we intended to do this all along,” said Jill Rutter, a senior research fellow at U.K. in a Changing Europe, a London think tank.

Few politicians have either the indomitable cheer or the ideological flexibility of Johnson, so it was hardly surprising that he tried to put the best face on Britain’s run of bad news. He remains utterly in command of the Conservative Party, which has an 80-seat majority in the Parliament, and comfortably ahead of the opposition Labour Party leader, Keir Starmer, in opinion polls.

Yet political analysts and economists said there were risks in the Panglossian tone he struck in Manchester. With inflation projected to continue at a relatively high level, and the government admitting that shortages could continue until Christmas, voters could quickly sour on Johnson. Then next year come tax rises, after he broke his promise not to increase them last month.

In hindsight, some said, the conference might be seen as a high-water mark for the prime minister.

“A few days of disruption to fuel supplies makes the government look foolish,” said Jonathan Portes, a professor of economics and public policy at King’s College London. “Much larger fuel bills are a much bigger deal.”

Tim Bale, a professor of politics at Queen Mary, University of London, said Johnson could come to resemble James Callaghan, a Labour prime minister who was toppled in 1979 after a winter of fuel shortages and runaway inflation, when he did not appear sufficiently alarmed about the pileup of problems.

When Johnson bounded into the auditorium at the conference last week, stopping to kiss his wife, Carrie, he looked anything but alarmed. Between jokes and jibes at the opposition, he presented a blueprint for a post-Brexit economy that he said would deliver high wages for skilled British workers, rather than lower-cost immigrants from the European Union, and put the onus on businesses to foot the bill.

Companies and previous governments “reached for the same old lever of uncontrolled immigration to keep wages low,” Johnson said. “The answer is to control immigration, to allow people of talent to come to this country, but not to use immigration as an excuse for failure to invest in people, in skills and in the equipment, the facilities, the machinery they need to do their jobs.”

That model is worlds away from Singapore-on-Thames, the catchphrase once used by the intellectual authors of Brexit to describe an open, lightly regulated, business-friendly hub that they said Britain would become once it cast off the labor laws and other shackles of Brussels. Nobody is talking about removing labor laws now (indeed, Johnson may soon move to raise Britain’s minimum wage).

Contradictions between protectionists and free-marketeers have run through the Brexit movement from the start.

“I describe it as Little England versus Global Britain,” Portes said, noting that Johnson, because of his lack of fixed convictions, was well-suited to hold this coalition together.

Since Johnson’s landslide election victory in 2019, however, the gravity in the Conservative Party has shifted decisively toward protectionism and anti-immigration policies. That was the message that helped the Tories lure disenchanted, working-class, former Labour voters in the industrial Midlands and north of England.

Many of these voters want the jobs that would come with the revival of British heavy industry, not better opportunities for hedge fund managers in London. Conservative politicians who once championed the Singapore-on-Thames model now play it down.

Johnson has embraced a blame-it-on-business message, which, while at odds with his party’s traditional principles, is popular with his new base. He singled out the trucking industry, arguing that its failure to invest in better truck stops — “with basic facilities where you don’t have to urinate in the bushes,” he said — was one of the reasons young people did not aspire to becoming drivers.

“It’s all of a piece with his move toward a much more populist style,” Bale said. “Johnson is pressing the right buttons, as far as these people are concerned.”

His tough-on-business language has scrambled the traditional lines in British politics. On Friday, voters were treated to the curious spectacle of Starmer lashing out at Johnson for his attacks on business and presenting the Labour Party as the better partner for Britain’s corporations.

For Johnson, critics said, the biggest risk is a lack of credibility. His initial claim that the food and fuel shortages were not caused by Brexit sounded unconvincing, given that his own government predicted rising prices and shortages of both in a 2019 report on the potential disruptions in the event of a “no-deal Brexit,” in which Britain would leave the European Union without a trade agreement.

The report, known as Operation Yellowhammer, laid out “reasonable worst-case planning assumptions,” among them that “certain types of fresh food supply will decrease” and that “customer behavior could lead to local shortages” of fuel. Although Britain negotiated a bare-bones trade deal with Brussels, its effect was similar to that of no deal.

While it is true that Johnson is indisputably setting his party’s agenda, it is not clear that the internal debates over the shape of a post-Brexit future are entirely settled. Rishi Sunak, the popular chancellor of the Exchequer, spoke at the conference about his years in California, and how he viewed Silicon Valley as a model for Britain.

“I’m not sure that having a truck driver shortage is part of that vision,” said Rutter, the research fellow.

Britons are lining up for gas, staring at empty grocery shelves, paying higher taxes and worrying about spiraling prices as a grim winter approaches. But to visit the Conservative Party conference in Manchester this past week was to enter a kind of happy valley, where Cabinet ministers danced, sang karaoke and drained flutes of Champagne — Pol Roger, Winston Churchill’s favorite brand, naturally.

Britons are lining up for gas, staring at empty grocery shelves, paying higher taxes and worrying about spiraling prices as a grim winter approaches. But to visit the Conservative Party conference in Manchester this past week was to enter a kind of happy valley, where Cabinet ministers danced, sang karaoke and drained flutes of Champagne — Pol Roger, Winston Churchill’s favorite brand, naturally. Nobody captured the bonhomie better than Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who told a whooping crowd of party faithful, “You all represent the most jiving, hip, happening and generally funkapolitan party in the world.” The cognitive dissonance extended beyond the Mardi Gras atmosphere. In his upbeat keynote speech, Johnson characterized the multiple ills afflicting Britain as a “function of growth and economic revival” — challenging but necessary post-Brexit adjustments on the way to a more prosperous future. It was at least his third explanation for the food and fuel shortages, which continued in some areas after three weeks. Initially, he denied there was a crisis. Then, he said the shortages were not about Brexit — contradicting analysts, union leaders, food producers and business owners — but were hitting every Western country as they emerged from the pandemic. And finally, he cited the stresses as evidence that Brexit was doing its job in shaking up the economy. “It is the ultimate in post-hoc rationalization — the idea that this is a well-thought-out plan, that we intended to do this all along,” said Jill Rutter, a senior research fellow at U.K. in a Changing Europe, a London think tank. Few politicians have either the indomitable cheer or the ideological flexibility of Johnson, so it was hardly surprising that he tried to put the best face on Britain’s run of bad news. He remains utterly in command of the Conservative Party, which has an 80-seat majority in the Parliament, and comfortably ahead of the opposition Labour Party leader, Keir Starmer, in opinion polls. Yet political analysts and economists said there were risks in the Panglossian tone he struck in Manchester. With inflation projected to continue at a relatively high level, and the government admitting that shortages could continue until Christmas, voters could quickly sour on Johnson. Then next year come tax rises, after he broke his promise not to increase them last month. In hindsight, some said, the conference might be seen as a high-water mark for the prime minister. “A few days of disruption to fuel supplies makes the government look foolish,” said Jonathan Portes, a professor of economics and public policy at King’s College London. “Much larger fuel bills are a much bigger deal.” Tim Bale, a professor of politics at Queen Mary, University of London, said Johnson could come to resemble James Callaghan, a Labour prime minister who was toppled in 1979 after a winter of fuel shortages and runaway inflation, when he did not appear sufficiently alarmed about the pileup of problems. When Johnson bounded into the auditorium at the conference last week, stopping to kiss his wife, Carrie, he looked anything but alarmed. Between jokes and jibes at the opposition, he presented a blueprint for a post-Brexit economy that he said would deliver high wages for skilled British workers, rather than lower-cost immigrants from the European Union, and put the onus on businesses to foot the bill. Companies and previous governments “reached for the same old lever of uncontrolled immigration to keep wages low,” Johnson said. “The answer is to control immigration, to allow people of talent to come to this country, but not to use immigration as an excuse for failure to invest in people, in skills and in the equipment, the facilities, the machinery they need to do their jobs.” That model is worlds away from Singapore-on-Thames, the catchphrase once used by the intellectual authors of Brexit to describe an open, lightly regulated, business-friendly hub that they said Britain would become once it cast off the labor laws and other shackles of Brussels. Nobody is talking about removing labor laws now (indeed, Johnson may soon move to raise Britain’s minimum wage). Contradictions between protectionists and free-marketeers have run through the Brexit movement from the start. “I describe it as Little England versus Global Britain,” Portes said, noting that Johnson, because of his lack of fixed convictions, was well-suited to hold this coalition together. Since Johnson’s landslide election victory in 2019, however, the gravity in the Conservative Party has shifted decisively toward protectionism and anti-immigration policies. That was the message that helped the Tories lure disenchanted, working-class, former Labour voters in the industrial Midlands and north of England. Many of these voters want the jobs that would come with the revival of British heavy industry, not better opportunities for hedge fund managers in London. Conservative politicians who once championed the Singapore-on-Thames model now play it down. Johnson has embraced a blame-it-on-business message, which, while at odds with his party’s traditional principles, is popular with his new base. He singled out the trucking industry, arguing that its failure to invest in better truck stops — “with basic facilities where you don’t have to urinate in the bushes,” he said — was one of the reasons young people did not aspire to becoming drivers. “It’s all of a piece with his move toward a much more populist style,” Bale said. “Johnson is pressing the right buttons, as far as these people are concerned.” His tough-on-business language has scrambled the traditional lines in British politics. On Friday, voters were treated to the curious spectacle of Starmer lashing out at Johnson for his attacks on business and presenting the Labour Party as the better partner for Britain’s corporations. For Johnson, critics said, the biggest risk is a lack of credibility. His initial claim that the food and fuel shortages were not caused by Brexit sounded unconvincing, given that his own government predicted rising prices and shortages of both in a 2019 report on the potential disruptions in the event of a “no-deal Brexit,” in which Britain would leave the European Union without a trade agreement. The report, known as Operation Yellowhammer, laid out “reasonable worst-case planning assumptions,” among them that “certain types of fresh food supply will decrease” and that “customer behavior could lead to local shortages” of fuel. Although Britain negotiated a bare-bones trade deal with Brussels, its effect was similar to that of no deal. While it is true that Johnson is indisputably setting his party’s agenda, it is not clear that the internal debates over the shape of a post-Brexit future are entirely settled. Rishi Sunak, the popular chancellor of the Exchequer, spoke at the conference about his years in California, and how he viewed Silicon Valley as a model for Britain. “I’m not sure that having a truck driver shortage is part of that vision,” said Rutter, the research fellow.

As Johnson draws a happy face, Britons confront a run of bad news

British PM Boris Johnson has said that the United Kingdom is moving towards a high wage, high skill economy in his closing speech at the Conservative Party's annual conference.

'UK moving towards a high wage, high skill economy' says PM Johnson at Conservative Party conference

Britain`s governing Conservative Party won a new seat in parliament on Friday, ousting the Labour Party in the northern English town of Hartlepool with a sweeping victory that tightens its grip on traditional opposition-voting areas.

Conservative Jill Mortimer beat Labour`s candidate by 15,529 votes to 8,589, securing what less than a decade ago would have been seen as an impossible feat of dislodging the main opposition party from one of its heartland seats. 
The overwhelming victory in the former industrial port town gives Prime Minister Boris Johnson an even larger majority in parliament and increases pressure on Labour leader Keir Starmer, who faces criticism for not fulfilling a pledge to revive his party`s fortunes after a 2019 election disaster.

The triumph in Thursday`s vote is a boost for Johnson and his strategy during the COVID-19 crisis. A furore over the financing of a lavish refurbishment of his Downing Street apartment had no obvious impact on the result.

"There`s no hiding from the fact this is a shattering result for Labour, absolutely shattering," Labour lawmaker Steve Reed, a member of Starmer`s top team, told the BBC.

"It tells us that the pace of change in the Labour Party has not been fast enough. We need to quicken it up." 
The Conservatives described it as a historic day.

The by-election, which takes place outside the normal parliamentary election cycle, was triggered by the resignation of a Labour lawmaker in March and is one of the dozens of votes which took place on Thursday.

Labour had held Hartlepool for decades. Election analysts said it was the biggest swing of votes to the governing party at a by-election since World War Two.

"It`s quite a spectacular turnaround in a seat that Labour should really have saved and defended," politics professor Michael Thrasher told Sky News.

Red Wall

Voters on Thursday were also electing local councils and parliaments in Scotland and Wales, gauging support for Britain`s two main parties and in Scotland`s case, the depth of backing for its leading party`s push for independence. 
The results of the other contests will be released over several days because COVID-19 restrictions have complicated the counts. Early results indicated the Conservatives had gained seats on English councils, which look after local services.

The Hartlepool result continues a trend set by Johnson in the 2019 parliamentary election when he struck directly at Labour`s heartlands, the "Red Wall" areas of northern and central England, to win a commanding majority in parliament.

Labour had tried to manage expectations over the vote, saying that Thursday`s elections would always be difficult at the time of the coronavirus pandemic, which has boosted support for the government because of its rapid vaccine rollout.

But the loss is painful for Starmer, who has struggled to increase his appeal to the electorate despite heavy criticism of the Conservative government over its initially sluggish response to the COVID-19 crisis and possible conflicts of interest.

He has accused Johnson and his party of cronyism, questioning the financing of the prime minister`s apartment, which an election watchdog is investigating. Johnson says he paid for the refurbishment and followed all the rules.

Starmer has tried to shift his party towards the centre ground after two defeats under the left-wing leadership of Jeremy Corbyn. But the Hartlepool defeat drew immediate criticism from some members of the party`s leftist faction.

"Not possible to blame Jeremy Corbyn for this result," said lawmaker Diane Abbott, a Corbyn ally. "Keir Starmer must think again about his strategy."

Britain`s governing Conservative Party won a new seat in parliament on Friday, ousting the Labour Party in the northern English town of Hartlepool with a sweeping victory that tightens its grip on traditional opposition-voting areas.

Britain`s governing Conservative Party won a new seat in parliament on Friday, ousting the Labour Party in the northern English town of Hartlepool with a sweeping victory that tightens its grip on traditional opposition-voting areas. Conservative Jill Mortimer beat Labour`s candidate by 15,529 votes to 8,589, securing what less than a decade ago would have been seen as an impossible feat of dislodging the main opposition party from one of its heartland seats. The overwhelming victory in the former industrial port town gives Prime Minister Boris Johnson an even larger majority in parliament and increases pressure on Labour leader Keir Starmer, who faces criticism for not fulfilling a pledge to revive his party`s fortunes after a 2019 election disaster. The triumph in Thursday`s vote is a boost for Johnson and his strategy during the COVID-19 crisis. A furore over the financing of a lavish refurbishment of his Downing Street apartment had no obvious impact on the result. "There`s no hiding from the fact this is a shattering result for Labour, absolutely shattering," Labour lawmaker Steve Reed, a member of Starmer`s top team, told the BBC. "It tells us that the pace of change in the Labour Party has not been fast enough. We need to quicken it up." The Conservatives described it as a historic day. The by-election, which takes place outside the normal parliamentary election cycle, was triggered by the resignation of a Labour lawmaker in March and is one of the dozens of votes which took place on Thursday. Labour had held Hartlepool for decades. Election analysts said it was the biggest swing of votes to the governing party at a by-election since World War Two. "It`s quite a spectacular turnaround in a seat that Labour should really have saved and defended," politics professor Michael Thrasher told Sky News. Red Wall Voters on Thursday were also electing local councils and parliaments in Scotland and Wales, gauging support for Britain`s two main parties and in Scotland`s case, the depth of backing for its leading party`s push for independence. The results of the other contests will be released over several days because COVID-19 restrictions have complicated the counts. Early results indicated the Conservatives had gained seats on English councils, which look after local services. The Hartlepool result continues a trend set by Johnson in the 2019 parliamentary election when he struck directly at Labour`s heartlands, the "Red Wall" areas of northern and central England, to win a commanding majority in parliament. Labour had tried to manage expectations over the vote, saying that Thursday`s elections would always be difficult at the time of the coronavirus pandemic, which has boosted support for the government because of its rapid vaccine rollout. But the loss is painful for Starmer, who has struggled to increase his appeal to the electorate despite heavy criticism of the Conservative government over its initially sluggish response to the COVID-19 crisis and possible conflicts of interest. He has accused Johnson and his party of cronyism, questioning the financing of the prime minister`s apartment, which an election watchdog is investigating. Johnson says he paid for the refurbishment and followed all the rules. Starmer has tried to shift his party towards the centre ground after two defeats under the left-wing leadership of Jeremy Corbyn. But the Hartlepool defeat drew immediate criticism from some members of the party`s leftist faction. "Not possible to blame Jeremy Corbyn for this result," said lawmaker Diane Abbott, a Corbyn ally. "Keir Starmer must think again about his strategy."

PM Johnson's party sweeps aside Labour in northern English town

UK MP Bob Blackman of the ruling Conservative Party in the country has written to chairman of the party, raising concerns against a group being announced in the party called "conservative friends of Kashmir" which may have long term implication, especially on the large Indian diaspora.&nbsp;

In the letter, he asked the party to make it clear officially that the group is "not an officially recognised body and has no links to the party" and therefore cannot use party logo or branding.&nbsp;

Highlighting the impact to the party, Bob in his letter to the Chairman of Conservative Party Amanda Milling said, "creation of this "conservative friends" group....risks alienating the diaspora that we have worked so hard and for so long, to cultivate and encourage to switch to our party. I cannot emphasize enough how emotive this issue is to our Indian diaspora."

Amanda Milling is the chairman of the conservative party along with Ben Elliot. The role of the chairman is party administration.

Bob elaborated that, "creation of the so-called conservative friends of Kashmir will cause severe tensions" between the already existing groups - conservative friends of India and conservative friends of Pakistan and "alienate a large percentage of voters".&nbsp;

The recent UK general elections saw&nbsp;the Indian diaspora shifting from Labour Party to the Conservative due to the former's stance on Kashmir. &nbsp;In fact, the decision taken at the Labour party conference on Kashmir, which was seen as considerably anti-India led to switching of allegiance of the British Indians to conservatives.&nbsp;

The UK MP said in the letter, "As we approach our Party's Conference this year, we must now follow the same path as the Labour party last year and risk alienating a large section of voters".

"Jammu and Kashmir is internationally recognized as a state of India and we do not have any other "conservative friends" that represent other areas of India...Party Policy is that security in Jammu and Kashmir is an internal matter for India and you know that I have previously written to PM regarding the issue and he reiterated Party Policy on Jammu and Kashmir both in writing and also on the floor of the house of commons".

The official stance of the Conservative Party and UK government on Kashmir is that is bilateral matter between India and Pakistan.

Bob Blackman is the vice-chairman of the conservative friends of India and the chairman and vice-chairman of number of All-Party Parliamentary groups related to India.

UK MP Bob Blackman of the ruling Conservative Party in the country has written to chairman of the party, raising concerns against a group being announced in the party called "conservative friends of Kashmir" which may have long term implication, especially on the large Indian diaspora.

UK MP Bob Blackman of the ruling Conservative Party in the country has written to chairman of the party, raising concerns against a group being announced in the party called "conservative friends of Kashmir" which may have long term implication, especially on the large Indian diaspora. In the letter, he asked the party to make it clear officially that the group is "not an officially recognised body and has no links to the party" and therefore cannot use party logo or branding. Highlighting the impact to the party, Bob in his letter to the Chairman of Conservative Party Amanda Milling said, "creation of this "conservative friends" group....risks alienating the diaspora that we have worked so hard and for so long, to cultivate and encourage to switch to our party. I cannot emphasize enough how emotive this issue is to our Indian diaspora." Amanda Milling is the chairman of the conservative party along with Ben Elliot. The role of the chairman is party administration. Bob elaborated that, "creation of the so-called conservative friends of Kashmir will cause severe tensions" between the already existing groups - conservative friends of India and conservative friends of Pakistan and "alienate a large percentage of voters". The recent UK general elections saw the Indian diaspora shifting from Labour Party to the Conservative due to the former's stance on Kashmir. In fact, the decision taken at the Labour party conference on Kashmir, which was seen as considerably anti-India led to switching of allegiance of the British Indians to conservatives. The UK MP said in the letter, "As we approach our Party's Conference this year, we must now follow the same path as the Labour party last year and risk alienating a large section of voters". "Jammu and Kashmir is internationally recognized as a state of India and we do not have any other "conservative friends" that represent other areas of India...Party Policy is that security in Jammu and Kashmir is an internal matter for India and you know that I have previously written to PM regarding the issue and he reiterated Party Policy on Jammu and Kashmir both in writing and also on the floor of the house of commons". The official stance of the Conservative Party and UK government on Kashmir is that is bilateral matter between India and Pakistan. Bob Blackman is the vice-chairman of the conservative friends of India and the chairman and vice-chairman of number of All-Party Parliamentary groups related to India.

Will alienate Indian diaspora, UK MP writes to chair of ruling Conservative Party over group on Kashmir

British&nbsp;Prime Minister's chief adviser Dominic Cummings&nbsp;defied calls to resign on&nbsp;Monday he acted "reasonably and legally" and does not regret his actions, despite mounting pressure on him to resign for allegedly breaking coronavirus lockdown rules.

"I don't think there is one rule for me and one rule for all people," Cummings told reporters in his first official press conference on the job. "In all circumstances, I believe I behaved reasonably and legally."

This statement follows allegations that he broke lockdown rules by&nbsp;travelling 260 miles with his family to be near relatives&nbsp;when his wife developed coronavirus symptoms.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnsons-top-aide-cummings-to-face-police-investigation-as-pressure-mounts-300948" hreflang="en">Boris Johnson's top aide Cummings to face police investigation as pressure mounts</a>

He clarifies that he did not consult the Johnson&nbsp;on this decision, as he was ill himself and “I thought I would speak to him when the situation clarified over the coming days”.

''Arguably this was a mistake, and I understand that some will say I should have spoken to the Prime Minister before deciding what to do.''

Cummings said&nbsp;he does not regret was he did, and the way he dealt with the situation in a way that created the least risk to the people concerned.

''I don’t regret what I did and as I said, I think reasonable people may well disagree about how I thought about what to do in those circumstances but I think what I did was actually reasonable.''

When challenged over his decision not to speak to the prime minister before driving to Durham, he said he wanted to protect Boris Johnson’s time.

According to mdeia reports, the charges against Cummings will be officially investigated by the Durham police.&nbsp;

British Prime Minister's chief adviser Dominic Cummings defied calls to resign on Monday he acted "reasonably and legally" and does not regret his actions, despite mounting pressure on him to resign for allegedly breaking coronavirus lockdown rules.

British Prime Minister's chief adviser Dominic Cummings defied calls to resign on Monday he acted "reasonably and legally" and does not regret his actions, despite mounting pressure on him to resign for allegedly breaking coronavirus lockdown rules. "I don't think there is one rule for me and one rule for all people," Cummings told reporters in his first official press conference on the job. "In all circumstances, I believe I behaved reasonably and legally." This statement follows allegations that he broke lockdown rules by travelling 260 miles with his family to be near relatives when his wife developed coronavirus symptoms. Also read:Boris Johnson's top aide Cummings to face police investigation as pressure mounts He clarifies that he did not consult the Johnson on this decision, as he was ill himself and “I thought I would speak to him when the situation clarified over the coming days”. ''Arguably this was a mistake, and I understand that some will say I should have spoken to the Prime Minister before deciding what to do.'' Cummings said he does not regret was he did, and the way he dealt with the situation in a way that created the least risk to the people concerned. ''I don’t regret what I did and as I said, I think reasonable people may well disagree about how I thought about what to do in those circumstances but I think what I did was actually reasonable.'' When challenged over his decision not to speak to the prime minister before driving to Durham, he said he wanted to protect Boris Johnson’s time. According to mdeia reports, the charges against Cummings will be officially investigated by the Durham police.

UK PM's aide says he behaved 'reasonably'; defies calls to resign

The British parliament will vote on Boris Johnson's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-uses-threat-of-brexit-cliff-edge-to-demand-eu-trade-deal-by-end-of-2020-268681">Brexit deal</a> on Friday, a move the prime minister described as delivering on his promise to "get the Brexit vote wrapped up for Christmas" following his landslide election victory.

After suffering several heavy defeats in the previous parliament, Johnson now enjoys a large majority and should face little opposition in passing the bill to implement Britain's biggest foreign and trade policy shift in more than 40 years.

More than three years since Britain voted to exit the European Union in a 2016 referendum, the deep uncertainty over Brexit has been replaced by the firm deadline of January&nbsp;31.

"Today we will deliver on the promise we made to the people and get the Brexit vote wrapped up for Christmas," Johnson said before the vote, expected to take place at around 1430 GMT.

"Then, at the beginning of the new decade, at the beginning of a new dawn for our country, our parliamentarians will return to Westminster to immediately finish the job, take us out of the EU on the 31st January and move this country forward."

The final stages of ratification will take place after Christmas, but Johnson wants to hold a vote before then as a sign of his intent.

After leaving, Britain will need to secure new trading arrangements with the EU. The so-called withdrawal agreement bill seeks to make sure that there can be no legal chance of extending those talks beyond the end of next year.

Also Watch:&nbsp;The queen outlines Boris Johnson government's agenda

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Just a week after he won the largest Conservative majority since Margaret Thatcher in 1987, Johnson has set out an ambitious government programme with securing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-and-health-britains-johnson-sets-out-priorities-in-queens-speech-269050">Brexit at the top</a> of his agenda to repay the trust of voters.

Hoping to satisfy the demands of voters in northern and central England who broke their tradition of backing the opposition Labour Party to support him, he has also pledged more funding to the state health service, education and policing.

"After years of delay and rancour in parliament, we will deliver certainty, and hard-working businesses and people across this country will have a firm foundation on which to plan for the future," he said.

"Next year will be a great year for our country."

The British parliament will vote on Boris Johnson's Brexit deal on Friday, a move the prime minister described as delivering on his promise to "get the Brexit vote wrapped up for Christmas" following his landslide election victory.

The British parliament will vote on Boris Johnson's Brexit deal on Friday, a move the prime minister described as delivering on his promise to "get the Brexit vote wrapped up for Christmas" following his landslide election victory. After suffering several heavy defeats in the previous parliament, Johnson now enjoys a large majority and should face little opposition in passing the bill to implement Britain's biggest foreign and trade policy shift in more than 40 years. More than three years since Britain voted to exit the European Union in a 2016 referendum, the deep uncertainty over Brexit has been replaced by the firm deadline of January 31. "Today we will deliver on the promise we made to the people and get the Brexit vote wrapped up for Christmas," Johnson said before the vote, expected to take place at around 1430 GMT. "Then, at the beginning of the new decade, at the beginning of a new dawn for our country, our parliamentarians will return to Westminster to immediately finish the job, take us out of the EU on the 31st January and move this country forward." The final stages of ratification will take place after Christmas, but Johnson wants to hold a vote before then as a sign of his intent. After leaving, Britain will need to secure new trading arrangements with the EU. The so-called withdrawal agreement bill seeks to make sure that there can be no legal chance of extending those talks beyond the end of next year. Also Watch: The queen outlines Boris Johnson government's agenda × Just a week after he won the largest Conservative majority since Margaret Thatcher in 1987, Johnson has set out an ambitious government programme with securing Brexit at the top of his agenda to repay the trust of voters. Hoping to satisfy the demands of voters in northern and central England who broke their tradition of backing the opposition Labour Party to support him, he has also pledged more funding to the state health service, education and policing. "After years of delay and rancour in parliament, we will deliver certainty, and hard-working businesses and people across this country will have a firm foundation on which to plan for the future," he said. "Next year will be a great year for our country."

PM Boris Johnson promises to wrap up Brexit for Christmas, parliament to vote

British <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/uk-election-what-boris-johnsons-victory-means-for-britains-place-in-the-world-268495">Prime Minister Boris&nbsp;Johnson</a>&nbsp;will welcome 109 new Conservative lawmakers to parliament on Monday, promising to honour his election-winning pledges to get Brexit done as soon as possible and boost funding for the state health service.

After securing a commanding majority in last week's vote,&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;will seek to speed up approval by parliament of his withdrawal agreement with the European Union, and start ploughing money into health, education and the police.

The prime minister, who won over many traditional supporters of the main opposition Labour Party in northern and central England, has proclaimed he will lead a "people's government" and "repay the public's trust by getting Brexit done".

"This election and the new generation of MPs (members of parliament) that have resulted from Labour towns turning blue will help change our politics for the better," said a source in&nbsp;Johnson's Downing Street official residence.

"The PM has been very clear that we have a responsibility to deliver a better future for our country and that we must repay the public's trust by getting Brexit done."

Also watch:&nbsp;UK PM Boris Johnson promises the speedy Brexit, to happen before January 31

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The government will bring the Withdrawal Agreement Bill back to parliament on Friday, but it is not yet clear whether there will be a vote because it needs the agreement of the House of Commons' new speaker.

But with such a large majority, he is expected to get the bill through parliament by his deadline.

The priority is to leave the EU on January&nbsp;31 and then secure a trade agreement with the bloc before the end of next year,&nbsp;Johnson's spokesman said.

"We plan to start the process before Christmas and we will do so in the proper constitutional way in discussion with the speaker," he said, adding that the Brexit bill would reflect the agreement made with the EU.

In a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/queen-elizabeth-to-set-out-pm-johnsons-agenda-on-thursday-268326">Queen's Speech</a> on Thursday setting out his government's programme,&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;will also promise more funds for Britain's much-loved but struggling public health service - a pledge he plans to enshrine in law.

After more than three years of debate over Brexit,&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;wants to move quickly to try to unite a country riven by disagreements over how, when or whether Britain should <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-urges-healing-for-brexit-bound-britain-268237">leave the EU</a>. Towns, villages and even families have been fractured.

Brexit has also scrambled traditional party loyalties, with&nbsp;Johnson's Conservatives going into Thursday's election pledging a swift Brexit, in stark contrast to Jeremy Corbyn's Labour, which promised a second referendum on EU membership.

The election saw Labour suffer its worst result since 1935 as many of its supporters who wanted to leave the EU switched to the Conservatives. The opposition party is expected to appoint a new leader by early next year.

Johnson&nbsp;is keen to hold on to those voters who supported the Conservatives, many for the first time, and is likely to retool his government next year to deliver his election promises.

For now, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-will-repay-your-trust-uk-pm-johnson-tells-ex-labour-voters-on-trip-to-north-268312">prime minister</a> will appoint three new ministers to fill vacant positions and keep any changes to a minimum before Britain leaves the EU on January&nbsp;31.

"By getting Brexit done, this One Nation Conservative government will help this country move forward," the source said. "Our job is to serve the people of this country, and the people's government will deliver on the people's priorities."

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will welcome 109 new Conservative lawmakers to parliament on Monday, promising to honour his election-winning pledges to get Brexit done as soon as possible and boost funding for the state health service.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will welcome 109 new Conservative lawmakers to parliament on Monday, promising to honour his election-winning pledges to get Brexit done as soon as possible and boost funding for the state health service. After securing a commanding majority in last week's vote, Johnson will seek to speed up approval by parliament of his withdrawal agreement with the European Union, and start ploughing money into health, education and the police. The prime minister, who won over many traditional supporters of the main opposition Labour Party in northern and central England, has proclaimed he will lead a "people's government" and "repay the public's trust by getting Brexit done". "This election and the new generation of MPs (members of parliament) that have resulted from Labour towns turning blue will help change our politics for the better," said a source in Johnson's Downing Street official residence. "The PM has been very clear that we have a responsibility to deliver a better future for our country and that we must repay the public's trust by getting Brexit done." Also watch: UK PM Boris Johnson promises the speedy Brexit, to happen before January 31 × The government will bring the Withdrawal Agreement Bill back to parliament on Friday, but it is not yet clear whether there will be a vote because it needs the agreement of the House of Commons' new speaker. But with such a large majority, he is expected to get the bill through parliament by his deadline. The priority is to leave the EU on January 31 and then secure a trade agreement with the bloc before the end of next year, Johnson's spokesman said. "We plan to start the process before Christmas and we will do so in the proper constitutional way in discussion with the speaker," he said, adding that the Brexit bill would reflect the agreement made with the EU. In a Queen's Speech on Thursday setting out his government's programme, Johnson will also promise more funds for Britain's much-loved but struggling public health service - a pledge he plans to enshrine in law. After more than three years of debate over Brexit, Johnson wants to move quickly to try to unite a country riven by disagreements over how, when or whether Britain should leave the EU. Towns, villages and even families have been fractured. Brexit has also scrambled traditional party loyalties, with Johnson's Conservatives going into Thursday's election pledging a swift Brexit, in stark contrast to Jeremy Corbyn's Labour, which promised a second referendum on EU membership. The election saw Labour suffer its worst result since 1935 as many of its supporters who wanted to leave the EU switched to the Conservatives. The opposition party is expected to appoint a new leader by early next year. Johnson is keen to hold on to those voters who supported the Conservatives, many for the first time, and is likely to retool his government next year to deliver his election promises. For now, the prime minister will appoint three new ministers to fill vacant positions and keep any changes to a minimum before Britain leaves the EU on January 31. "By getting Brexit done, this One Nation Conservative government will help this country move forward," the source said. "Our job is to serve the people of this country, and the people's government will deliver on the people's priorities."

Welcoming new lawmakers, PM Johnson vows a speedy Brexit

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