The Tory leadership race may be over sooner than expected, as suggested by Boris Johnson at what may be his last Prime Minister’s Questions. Johnson’s successor as the new leader of the Conservative party was due to be announced on September 5 at the conclusion of a contest between several top Tories, but he has now indicated the new leader could be chosen “by acclamation” rather than requiring a vote.
The first round of voting in the leadership contest was taking place on Wednesday afternoon after the number of MPs competing for the position was reduced to eight on Tuesday. Subsequent rounds of voting by MPs will whittle those in the contest down to a final two, with the membership of the Tory party then deciding on the eventual winner who is due to be named on September 5
Mr Johnson is expected to face one final session of Prime Minister’s Questions next week, but his indication today raises the prospect of a new leader being in place before then. He said: “The next leader of my party may be elected by acclamation so it’s possible this will be our last confrontation.”
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Facing Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, Johnson defended his record on Brexit, infrastructure projects and supporting Ukraine in its war with Russia. He was forced to step down as Prime Minister on July 6 following the resignations of more than 50 Tories who quit in protest over his leadership and the handling of a number of scandals, including the row involving his former deputy chief whip Chris Pincher.
Johnson said: “It’s perfectly true that I leave not at a time of my choosing, but I am proud of the fantastic teamwork that has been involved in all of those projects both nationally and internationally, and I am also proud of the leadership that I have given. I will be leaving soon with my head held high.”
The leadership battle to replace David Cameron in 2016 ended early without going to a vote as Dame Andrea Leadsom abandoned her campaign, thereby handing the keys to No 10 to Theresa May. On Wednesday, Tory contender Tom Tugendhat warned his leadership rivals not to do the same in this year’s contest to replace Mr Johnson.
He said: “Whoever ends up being my rival in the last two, let me be absolutely clear: this is no time for any form of deal-doing or anything like that. This has got to go to a membership vote.
“It absolutely must go all the way because otherwise democracy in the party will be undermined.”
Downing Street said Mr Johnson plans to leave No 10 on September 6 if the next Tory leader is chosen the day before as planned. The Prime Minister’s press secretary said: “As things stand, he will still be doing PMQs in his last week.”
A Labour spokesman said: “I’m sure the Prime Minister would want to take advantage of this opportunity to say a proper farewell to the House next week.”
The results from the next stage of the Tory leadership race are expected around 17:00 on Wednesday. The eight MPs currently still in the contest will need to secure at least 30 votes to stay in the race.
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