Ashby MP says he will stand for 1922 Committee role and push for another no confidence vote in the Prime Minister

By The Editor

25th Jun 2022 | Local News

Ashby MP Andrew Bridgen says he will be standing for the executive role of the 1922 Committee to allow another vote of no confidence in Boris Johnson

The Prime Minister survived a confidence vote held by Conservative MPs earlier this month by 211 votes to 148.

But after the Conservatives suffered two crunch by-election defeats this week, pressure continues to grow.

In Tiverton & Honiton, the Liberal Democrats overturned a 24,000 Tory majority to win, while Labour reclaimed Wakefield.

Under current 1922 Committee rules, The Prime Minister cannot face another vote of no confidence for another 12 months.

But, speaking to GB News' The Briefing, Mr Bridgen was asked: "At what point does this all come to a head?"

The MP for North West Leicestershire then said he was hoping to change the current rules.

Boris Johnson in Ashby six years ago to support Andrew Bridgen's 'Leave' campaign in North West Leicestershire

He told the TV news channel: "Nominations for membership of the 1922 Committee open next week, I think the vote will be the week after.

"And I'm going to put my hat in the ring on a manifesto of rule change, and clearly if a majority of the Committee are elected on that mindset then the rules can be changed.

"I think if the Committee is of such a composition that would indicate then the party is ready for another vote of no confidence again."

The MP has been calling for Boris Johnson's resignation for some time and was particularly vociferous ahead of the confidence vote.

He even said that he expected the Prime Minster to be out of the job by the Autumn.

Mr Bridgen was then asked: "Are you the only one putting yourself forward on an explicit manifesto of rule change?"

He replied: "I think all the candidates who will put their name forward next week for the Committee, I have no doubt that the major question will be are you in favour or against rule change."

Oliver Dowden resigned as chairman of the Conservative Party yesterday (Friday), saying in a letter to Mr Johnson that "someone must take responsibility"