According to its own rules, the British Conservative Party cannot get rid of Boris Johnson through a no-confidence vote for another twelve months. But it can put enormous pressure on him to resign. And that’s what the double whammy of the resignations of his chancellor of exchequer Rishi Sunak and health secretary Sajid Javid now represent.
The challenge to the prime minister’s authority comes after the most recent scandal plaguing his government. In the past five years, Chris Pincher, the deputy chief whip, has been dogged with allegations of sexual misconduct. Most recently, Pincher was accused of drunkenly groping two men at a private members’ club. No 10’s official spokesperson initially stated that the prime minister had not been aware of any such allegations at the time of promoting Pincher. This was later changed to “specific allegations.” And then changed again to an acknowledgment that the prime minister was, in fact, aware of the allegations when he promoted Pincher. His excuse? He “forgot.”
Boris Johnson was caught lying to cover himself. (Again.) More resignations could be forthcoming but, as with the no-confidence vote last month, when it comes to loyalty to the prime minister, there is an unsustainable split in the Tory party. It’s now not a question of whether Johnson goes, only when.