SoylentNews

Boris Johnson Loses Majority in Parliament after Defection, Could Call Early Elections

posted by martyb on Wednesday September 04 2019, @04:13AM   
from the Ruh-Roh!-What-happens-now? dept.

takyon writes:

Boris Johnson loses Parliamentary majority, faces Brexit showdown

Britain's Parliament returns from its summer recess and is facing a titanic showdown over Prime Minister Boris Johnson's plans to leave the European Union. Here's what we know:

● Johnson has lost his majority in Parliament, with the defection of Conservative Phillip Lee to the Liberal Democrats.

● The opposition, including members of Johnson's party, is seeking to pass legislation to delay Brexit.

● Johnson has said that if his foes succeed he will call early elections.

Live coverage.

List of prime ministers of the United Kingdom by length of tenure

#54: George Canning, 119 days (1827)
#55: Boris Johnson, 40 days (Incumbent) (2019)

See also: Brexit: Tory MP defects ahead of crucial no-deal vote
How Brexit Blew Up Britain's Constitution

---

Original Submission

• Re:Fixed Term Parliament Act (Score: 1) by Arik on Wednesday September 04 2019, @08:22AM

  by Arik (4543) on Wednesday September 04 2019, @08:22AM (#889429) Journal

  I am not a barrister, but as far as I understand a no-confidence vote can be initiated by the sitting PM himself. It only requires a simple majority, and does not by itself spark new elections, but it puts the ball in the oppositions court. They have 14 days to form a new government and pass an act of confidence in them - otherwise a new election must be held.
  
  Another possibility is that he could simply resign. In that case, if my memory serves, the Queen would then call upon the opposition to form a new government with the same results if they fail to do so.
  
  

  --
  If laughter is the best medicine, who are the best doctors?

  Parent