Boris Johnson faced a grave threat to his control of parliament on Friday as he was warned that Conservative rebels could cross the House of Commons to foil Brexit in the aftermath of a byelection that reduced his working majority to just one MP.
Overnight, the Liberal Democrats’ Jane Dodds won a crucial byelection in Brecon and Radnorshire by a margin of 1,425, overturning the Tories’ previous majority of more than 8,000.
The result prompted immediate recriminations across the party. Conservative no-deal sceptics warned about the rapidly growing threat the government could face from the reinvigorated Lib Dems, while insiders blamed Theresa May’s administration for choosing a candidate who had already been ousted for expenses fraud.
One of the most prominent Conservative supporters of a second referendum told the Guardian on Friday he was actively considering defecting to the Lib Dems or sitting as an independent, a move that would leave Johnson at the helm of a minority government.
Dr Phillip Lee, the former justice minister, who first suggested he could quit the party in his own podcast, On the House, told the Guardian he was not alone among colleagues considering defecting or resigning if the government pursued no deal. “I have things to think about over the summer, but it is not just me,” he said.
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See Also:
(1) ‘We’re here to stay’ Nigel Farage declares war on Johnson with shock Brexit admission
(2) Ann Widdecombe rejects offer for Brexit Party to join Boris Johnson – ‘Not arm of Tories’
(3) ‘We can’t stop Boris!’ Dutch MEP admits EU’s no deal impotence as she pleads with UK
(4) Boris Johnson’s stands to LOSE two dozen Tory MPs over no deal plans – ‘we will lose tons’
(5) How Brecon by-election was a VICTORY for Brexit – despite Lib Dem win
