February 6, 2025
Tory Remainer defectors' threat to topple Boris on day one: Two Tory MPs could join the Lib Dems and wipe out the government's majority if Johnson becomes PM
Two Tory MPs have been put on ‘defection watch’ by the party amid fears that they are planning to switch to the Liberal Democrats on Boris Johnson’s first day in Downing Street – wiping out his Commons majority at a stroke
Two Tory MPs have been put on ‘defection watch’ by the party amid fears that they are planning to switch to the Liberal Democrats on Boris Johnson’s first day in Downing Street – wiping out his Commons majority at a stroke

Two Tory MPs have been put on ‘defection watch’ by the party amid fears that they are planning to switch to the Liberal Democrats on Boris Johnson’s first day in Downing Street – wiping out his Commons majority at a stroke.

Mr Johnson currently stands to inherit a working majority of four if, as expected, he becomes Prime Minister on July 24 – the day after the new Lib Dem leader succeeds Sir Vince Cable.

Tory whips have been tipped off that if the favourite, Jo Swinson, wins she will announce the defection of two Tory MPs to coincide with Mr Johnson arriving in Downing Street. 

Last night Phillip Lee and Guto Bebb, both fervent anti-Brexiteers, denied planning to leave the party.

The Tory whips have called the plan the ‘split screen strategy’, because broadcasters would have to carry live news of the defections at the same time as Mr Johnson entering No 10.

Mr Johnson is also facing the prospect of an immediate no-confidence vote from Jeremy Corbyn if he becomes leader. 

Conservative Party chairman Brandon Lewis, members of the backbench 1922 Committee and Chief Whip Julian Smith have all shared fears that Mr Johnson could lose such a vote.

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