Today (July 6), under-pressure Prime Minister Boris Johnson will have to face a Commons grilling, further resignations and more moves from his own backbenchers to unseat him, as he seeks to shore up his premiership. It has been another challenging few days for the PM following allegations surrounding the Conservative Party's former deputy chief whip Chris Pincher, who has been accused of groping two men at a private members' club and has since resigned.
Johnson's leadership has come under fire in recent months, but this is the latest saga to beset his time at Number 10. Having initially denied being aware of claims made against Pincher, the PM came out yesterday to admit he had made a mistake in appointing the Tamworth MP to a senior role, with it emerging that he had been informed of the previous allegations.
Following this, a number of Conservative MPs quit their Government roles, with the most high profile being Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Health Secretary Sajid Javid. More resignations have already happened today, including Robin Walker stepping down as Schools Minister.
Read more: Boris Johnson quitting odds slashed as Prime Minister rocked by resignations
Today promises to be another busy one for the PM. Here are the key challenges Johnson will face:
Further resignations
Since Javid and Sunak tendered their resignations on Tuesday evening, a string of junior ministers have quit their jobs. More have already happened today with others set to follow during the course of Wednesday.
PMQs (noon)
Prime Minister’s Questions are tricky for any prime minister, even at the best of times. But recent events will give the opposition, led by Sir Keir Starmer, plenty of ammunition. Johnson will also no doubt face some awkward questions and further calls to quit from his own backbenchers.
Commons Liaison Committee (3pm)
After a punishing Prime Minister’s Questions, Johnson will face two hours with the Liaison Committee, made up of MPs who chair Commons committees. He will be grilled on integrity in politics, the rule of law, the war in Ukraine and the cost-of-living crisis.
Personal statements
It is traditional for senior Cabinet ministers to speak in the Commons about whey they resigned. Javid is due to address MPs this afternoon, and Sunak may follow. Both will no doubt have some damning words about their former boss.
For Johnson, the Commons recess, on 22 July, cannot come soon enough.
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