The vote of confidence from Conservative MP for Northwood, Ruislip and Pinner, David Simmonds, into South Ruislip MP and Prime Minister Boris Johnson became one of many that nearly removed the PM from office.
After putting in the letter on May 26, Mr Simmonds MP was joined by multiple others from the Conservatives, eventually leading to a vote of confidence.
The Prime Minister survived the vote, with 211 MPs deciding to support him, but a sizeable 148 others voted against, dealing a huge blow to Mr Johnson’s leadership and leaving him on shaky ground.
It comes in the aftermath of the Sue Gray report into the ongoing ‘partygate’ scandal over parties held in No. 10 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The report stated that “failures of leadership and judgment in No 10 and the Cabinet Office” for which “the senior leadership at the centre, both political and official, must bear responsibility”.
In a statement on Mr Simmonds MP website and reported to several major newspapers, he said: “I listened to what the Prime Minister had to say at Prime Ministers Questions, his statement and the 1922 Committee yesterday following the publication of the Sue Gray report.
“Having reflected on what he said, and the views of constituents and my Conservative Association, it is clear that while the Government and our policies enjoy the confidence of the public, the Prime Minister does not.
“Accordingly, it is time for him to step down so that new leadership can take forward the important work of the Government in ensuring that our people and country prosper.”
In the aftermath of the 2022 local elections, where the Conservatives performed poorly, Mr Simmonds MP had delivered critical comments on the PM’s behaviour concerning the scandal.
Boris Johnson has been contacted for comment through both his parliamentary office and Conservative Central Headquarters (CCHQ).
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