Boris Johnson survived the no-confidence vote on Monday, securing 211 votes from the Conservative MPs which Johnson described as a “convincing and decisive victory”.
Although the Prime Minister managed to scrape through with 59% votes, a total of 148 Conservative MPs showed an unexpectedly large revolt against Johnson.
“As a government we can move on and focus on the stuff that really matters,” said Johnson after the result, adding that we should now “unite” and direct our attention to “taking this country forward”.
What is Nottingham saying about the result?
MPs in Nottingham have been very vocal about the result, showing mixed opinions.
Mark Spencer, Tory MP for Sherwood, Nottinghamshire, described the result as “a clear win for the PM”.
Robert Jenrick, the Tory MP of Newark, Nottinghamshire, said: “I supported Boris Johnson in 2019 and will vote for him to continue as PM tonight.
“The full attention of the party needs to be on growing the economy, delivering on our promise to level-up and playing the leading role in Europe’s defence.”
On the other hand, Labour MP Nadia Whittome, said:
“If Tory MPs have any decency, they’ll vote #NoConfidence in Boris Johnson this evening.
“But the Tories lining up to replace him are also to blame for 12 years of austerity and a growing cost of living crisis.”
Whittome further added that the working class people will continue to suffer regardless of the outcome.
The overwhelming majority of Nottingham city residents thought the results were “surprising” and “disappointing”.
Kacie Bonner, 35, said: “It’s strange how (Boris Johnson) is saying it’s a decisive victory but 41% of your team weren’t happy with you.”
“I just think he should resign,” said Alfie Green, 25.
Yvonne McAdam, 45, said she has lost all confidence in Johnson.
She added: “I don’t think anything will change. They will continue to break all the rules, think it’s fine, apologise and get away with it.
“But at the same time, I’d expect him to show some consistency and carry on doing some of the good stuff he has done.”
What happens now?
Johnson is now attempting to unite Conservative party members after surviving the great level of rejection he received.
Although the votes technically pose a win for the Prime Minister, it is unusual to have so many party members voting against the leader. In 1989 Margaret Thatcher won her vote of no confidence with 84% of her members supporting her and Theresa May won a vote of no confidence in 2018 with 63%; a stark contrast to Johnson’s victory of 59%.
Even after enduring and surviving the no-confidence votes, the predecessors of the party resigned soon after the vote for failing to govern effectively.
The 59% vote would mean Johnson wouldn’t face another Conservative leadership challenge for at least another year, even after 41% expressed a loss of faith in their party leader.
However, Tobias Ellwood, the Tory chair of the Commons who voted against the Prime Minister, said that the “system can be adjusted” and the PM could potentially face another vote in a matter of months.