The Sue Gray report may have provided the catalyst for Monday evening’s vote of confidence in Boris Johnson, but Conservative grievances with the Prime Minister stretch back much further. Those problems began with a different row over standards in public life and Mr Johnson’s handling of the Owen Paterson lobbying scandal. Many MPs have referred explicitly to partygate and the Prime Minister’s own behaviour when calling for a confidence vote, especially following the release of the Sue Gray report. Meanwhile, several backbenchers have reportedly been frustrated by an apparent lack of direction, demonstrated by repeated U-turns on policy. Finally, there are the electoral implications of Mr Johnson’s continued leadership.

Source: The Star June 06, 2022 10:49 UTC