Bye bye Boris?

[Paul Norman]

I think that our expectations that one day someone will say 'Boris has lied, he must go' conveniently ignore the fact that the people who voted for Boris always knew he was inclined to lie, and didn't mind then, and don't mind now. It is simply not going to result in him going.

And even if it did, that does not prompt a general election - we just get another person from the rather limited gene pool of affectionate Etonian cousins.

There will be a general election, one day, of course. At the moment, the polls suggest Boris might go then. But equally, he might not. And if he does, it will not be his propensity to lie that causes it.

 

[DontAsk]

Chancellor and Health Sec resign!!!

 

[Ian J]

Chancellor and Health Sec resign!!!

I'm looking forward to Prime Minister's Question time tomorrow

 

[MOIC]

He can’t survive now.

An understatement, I know.

 

[Mark T Jones]

I'm looking forward to Prime Minister's Question time tomorrow

Will it be like Have I Got NewsFor You, where they have a guest Prime Minister?

 

[Ian J]

Will it be like Have I Got NewsFor You, where they have a guest Prime Minister?

That might not be a bad idea

 

[japancool]

Looks like it's over for Boris. If your Chancellor resigns, you can't be far behind.

Hey, if Keir gets fined, they could both be gone!

 

[MOIC]

Guesses for the next leader?

 

[UkAppCoder]

Guesses for the next leader?

Scott Benton, MP for Blackpool South - a preference of mine, not a guess.

He always sounds serious, and I believe he is seriously dedicated. He's very articulate and quite young, and has that quaint speech impediment where pwonounced 'r's are weplaced 'w's - which always helps to keep me listening!

He is a strong supporter of Brexit, and I think he would make a fine Prime Minister who would achieve a healthy majority in the next election.

 

[Newchodge]

Will it be like Have I Got NewsFor You, where they have a guest Prime Minister?

Who would do it? Tubs of lard are quite expensive now.

 

[DontAsk]

Newsflash: The No 10 cat has registered it's loss of confidence by s***ting in Boris's bed.

 

[Bob Morgan]

Baroness Trumpington: Who is that?
Ian Hislop: Your next leader, Boris Johnson
Baroness Trumpington: (Pause for thought) Good Lord!

Have I got News for You (23 November 2012), when Baroness Trumpington was 90. Sadly she died in 2018

 

[intheTRADE]

Today may well be the day

----------------------------------------------
FROM BBC

New Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi, who was only appointed to the role on Tuesday evening, has called for Boris Johnson to quit.

In a tweet, he says: "This is not sustainable and it will only get worse: for you, for the Conservative Party and most importantly of all the country. You must do the right thing and go now."

 

[The Byre]

He is standing down. Just announced!

 

[Newchodge]

But not until the autumn. I don't know if he specified the year?

 

[Mark T Jones]

He is standing down. Just announced!

Thank God for that.

I thought he was turning into Trump.

 

[IanSuth]

Thank God for that.

I thought he was turning into Trump.

Honest question

How does government function for 3 months managed by someone who so publicly lost the support of their team and staffed either by people who have just been sacked/resigned then recalled or by the 3rd rate no hopers who were "last man standing"

Imagine that in a corporate setting for a second before answering

 

[Newchodge]

Honest question

How does government function for 3 months managed by someone who so publicly lost the support of their team and staffed either by people who have just been sacked/resigned then recalled or by the 3rd rate no hopers who were "last man standing"

Imagine that in a corporate setting for a second before answering

Is there any guarantee that he will go in autumn. Won't he just state that the 'people' still want him and any new leader elections are invalid?

 

[Mark T Jones]

Honest question

How does government function for 3 months managed by someone who so publicly lost the support of their team and staffed either by people who have just been sacked/resigned then recalled or by the 3rd rate no hopers who were "last man standing"

Imagine that in a corporate setting for a second before answering

Ultimately it's that or hastily shoehorn in a replacement.

It will take 'sensibly' select a replacement - in the meantime Boris is basically be a caretaker. It's not uncommon in the corporate world for new leaders to be phased in.

 

[Mark T Jones]

Is there any guarantee that he will go in autumn. Won't he just state that the 'people' still want him and any new leader elections are invalid?

He's going. Just trying to save face and claim he wasn't pushed.

 

[IanSuth]

Ultimately it's that or hastily shoehorn in a replacement.

It will take 'sensibly' select a replacement - in the meantime Boris is basically be a caretaker. It's not uncommon in the corporate world for new leaders to be phased in.

But who will have any authority - whose opinion/direction will the whips whip for, are we going to be pro or anti the NI Protocol, low tax/high debt or higher tax/lower debt ?

Those decisions cant wait 3 months

I suspect we are about to have a very public "i can be more brexit/more fiscally prudent" scrap between wannabees

 

[Newchodge]

But who will have any authority - whose opinion/direction will the whips whip for, are we going to be pro or anti the NI Protocol, low tax/high debt or higher tax/lower debt ?

Those decisions cant wait 3 months

The reality is they have to wait. Either Johnson stays as caretaker or he is pushed immediately and someone else is appointed as caretaker until proper elections can take place. Eiter way, little real business can be done under whichever caretaker.

Of course, Johnson could wait until the end of August and then call a General Election.

 

[IanSuth]

Of course, Johnson could wait until the end of August and then call a General Election.

No I dont think he can't do that

If the queen believes someone else could form a government she is meant to let them before allowing the dissolution for a GE - this is from BBC

Could the Queen refuse to allow an early general election?​

As the PM is required to "request" permission from the Queen, in theory she could refuse it.

The circumstances under which the Queen might do this are a bit unclear. A government document called "dissolution principles", sets out the requirements under which the PM can ask the Queen for an early election, including:

• The PM maintains support as the leader of the government
• The Queen should not be drawn into party politics

and

Ms Haddon (Catherine Haddon from the Institute for Government think tank) also points out that if a majority in Parliament made clear to the Palace an alternative government could take over, the Queen could allow one to form.
For example, if the Conservatives were about to select a new leader the Queen could refuse to grant an election on the basis that an alternative government would soon be in place.
"You don't drag the Queen into politics. Asking for an election to stop being ousted would cross the line," says Ms Haddon.

 

[The Byre]

But who will have any authority - whose opinion/direction will the whips whip for, are we going to be pro or anti the NI Protocol, low tax/high debt or higher tax/lower debt ?

Those decisions cant wait 3 months

EXACTLY!

This whole episode has completely drowned out all attempts to discuss the biggest problem facing the UK today - the now rapidly failing economy. Three months of playing silly games is a luxury the UK economy cannot afford!

It is not just Brexit, it is everything - productivity, self-inflicted inflation fuelled by wild governmental deficit spending - in fact, everything to do with the economy. This (lack of) government has been staggering about the battlefield, looking for an enemy in the vainglorious hope that by finding one, they could find unity of purpose.

Seldom has a leader done such a perfect impression of Don Quixote, tilting at EU windmills and raging against the Russian bear, neither of which could care less about him or the smallish and rapidly diminishing country off the European coast he tries to represent. It once was Great Britain: it is today Little England, yapping excitedly at America's heels and the last four or five prime ministers have done their level best to bring that about - the present incumbent of that office considerably more than the others.

 

[Newchodge]

No I dont think he can't do that

If the queen believes someone else could form a government she is meant to let them before allowing the dissolution for a GE - this is from BBC

Could the Queen refuse to allow an early general election?​

As the PM is required to "request" permission from the Queen, in theory she could refuse it.

The circumstances under which the Queen might do this are a bit unclear. A government document called "dissolution principles", sets out the requirements under which the PM can ask the Queen for an early election, including:

• The PM maintains support as the leader of the government
• The Queen should not be drawn into party politics

and

Ms Haddon (Catherine Haddon from the Institute for Government think tank) also points out that if a majority in Parliament made clear to the Palace an alternative government could take over, the Queen could allow one to form.
For example, if the Conservatives were about to select a new leader the Queen could refuse to grant an election on the basis that an alternative government would soon be in place.
"You don't drag the Queen into politics. Asking for an election to stop being ousted would cross the line," says Ms Haddon.

If he called the elction before the new leader had been elected, the Queen would have little choice.

 

[Newchodge]

The Guardian is now reporting that ministers are saying that he should not remain PM until the autumn. While I agree with them, I am not sure what they can do if he refuses to go?

 

[WaveJumper]

EXACTLY!

This whole episode has completely drowned out all attempts to discuss the biggest problem facing the UK today - the now rapidly failing economy. Three months of playing silly games is a luxury the UK economy cannot afford!

It is not just Brexit, it is everything - productivity, self-inflicted inflation fuelled by wild governmental deficit spending - in fact, everything to do with the economy. This (lack of) government has been staggering about the battlefield, looking for an enemy in the vainglorious hope that by finding one, they could find unity of purpose.

Seldom has a leader done such a perfect impression of Don Quixote, tilting at EU windmills and raging against the Russian bear, neither of which could care less about him or the smallish and rapidly diminishing country off the European coast he tries to represent. It once was Great Britain: it is today Little England, yapping excitedly at America's heels and the last four or five prime ministers have done their level best to bring that about - the present incumbent of that office considerably more than the others.

And now we are going to face even more uncertainty

 

[IanSuth]

An immediate resignation and GE in a months time (i think it is 20 something days they have to do it within) would be the best solution.

Less wasted time doing nothing useful for the country and as it has come quick less polished soundbites and pre prepared campaigns, we might actually get some honesty (but i doubt it)

 

[Fagin2021]

The Guardian is now reporting that ministers are saying that he should not remain PM until the autumn. While I agree with them, I am not sure what they can do if he refuses to go?

He absolutely shouldn't stay and be allowed to throw all his toys out of pram. Who would serve under him anyway?

Normally, one would expect a senior party member who is not in the leadership contest - perhaps Sir Graham Brady - to take over as caretaker PM until the leadership can be decided.

That's fine when it's 'business as usual' - the economy ticking along, no international crisis and major policy decisions deferred. However, as @The Byre pointed out, we need action now - not paralysis.

Some people are born Prime Ministers, some people achieve Premiership, and some people don't have a clue but have Premiership thrust upon them. I'm looking at you Dominic Raab.

 

[Newchodge]

An immediate resignation and GE in a months time (i think it is 20 something days they have to do it within) would be the best solution.

Less wasted time doing nothing useful for the country and as it has come quick less polished soundbites and pre prepared campaigns, we might actually get some honesty (but i doubt it)

Unfortunately our non-written constitution specifies that parliament is dissolved if a General Election is called, It also, I believe specifies that the date of the Election cannot be less than 25(?) days after the dissolution of Parliamnet. I don't think it specifies anywhere a date by which it must be set. So call a general election, dissolve parliament, don't set a date. The exercise of powers under the law for general elections is not subject to any court or tribunal.

 

[Clodbuster]

Well I'm sorry to see him go as he has stepped up to the plate when crisis looms and has been demolished by unimportant issues blown out of all proportion by the media and simpering muppet MP's who do exactly as he has done

 

[Lucan Unlordly]

You'll not see a better representation of the state of UK Politics than Matt Hancock expressing an opinion on the right thing to do?

 

[MBE2017]

Don’t worry, it will not be long before the next idiot takes his place. I mean seriously does anyone want any politician currently available? Year after year all they prove is they are in politics for themselves, that is all the parties.

When in Government they happily ignore the rules and manifesto they are elected on, when in opposition they happily do everything to put forward silly unworkable policies which appeal to the baying mob, but find a way to explain why they cannot follow through when elected.

I guess we have the politicians we deserve.

 

[japancool]

He doesn't need to call a general election. That's not how our system works.

The Conservatives will just choose a new leader, who will be the next prime minister until a new general election is called - that's what happened when Major became PM.

There's no reason for them to call one now - they would lose.

 

[Ian J]

The Guardian is now reporting that ministers are saying that he should not remain PM until the autumn. While I agree with them, I am not sure what they can do if he refuses to go?

The leadership election should be held as soon as possible and once a new leader is elected Boris should be persuaded to resign immediately which I'm sure he will do otherwise he will have to change his name to Boris Trump

 

[japancool]

Well, there aren't going to be people trying to invade the Houses of Parliament on his behalf.

 

[Newchodge]

He doesn't need to call a general election. That's not how our system works.

The Conservatives will just choose a new leader, who will be the next prime minister until a new general election is called - that's what happened when Major became PM.

There's no reason for them to call one now - they would lose.

You miss the point. If Johnson calls a General Election he keeps power until it has been held.

 

[IanSuth]

He doesn't need to call a general election. That's not how our system works.

The Conservatives will just choose a new leader, who will be the next prime minister until a new general election is called - that's what happened when Major became PM.

There's no reason for them to call one now - they would lose.

I agree there is no point from a conservative point of view in calling one.

I was saying for the good of the country we can't put the world on hold for 3-4 months whilst a successor is found and installed just because it suits summer recess and party conference season

 

[IanSuth]

Unfortunately our non-written constitution specifies that parliament is dissolved if a General Election is called, It also, I believe specifies that the date of the Election cannot be less than 25(?) days after the dissolution of Parliamnet. I don't think it specifies anywhere a date by which it must be set. So call a general election, dissolve parliament, don't set a date. The exercise of powers under the law for general elections is not subject to any court or tribunal.

Under the FTPA it was fixed at exactly 25 days from dissolution to election but no idea since they changed the rules in 2019

 

[IanSuth]

How can this be the case

Michelle Donelan, who resigned earlier having been appointed Education Secretary less than 48 hours ago, says she will donate her £16,876.25 severance pay to "a local charity".

Has anyone ever worked anywhere where taking a job and resigning <2days later to go back to your old job would entitle you to any money let alone that much !!!!