UK Cabinet Resigns in Droves Pressuring PM Johnson to Step Down... "Unprecedented Situation" (Summary)

Close aides also step in to persuade "Step down voluntarily"
Prime Minister Johnson resists by dismissing aides urging resignation
High possibility of a confidence vote as early as next week

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] Despite pressure to resign from close aides and a wave of cabinet resignations, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is holding firm to keep his position as Conservative Party leader and Prime Minister. More than 40 ministers, including key cabinet members considered close to Johnson, have resigned in an unprecedented mass resignation. Political circles expect a confidence vote on Johnson as early as next week.

According to Bloomberg on the 6th (local time), Johnson made it clear in Parliament that he has no intention of resigning. He told MPs, "It is my duty to continue serving as Prime Minister in these difficult times."

Johnson, who has faced difficulties over the Partygate scandal, apologized for nominating MP Christopher Pincher, who was involved in a sexual misconduct issue, as Conservative Party Deputy Chief Whip, admitting it was a mistake. However, he has been criticized for lying during the process. He initially said he was unaware of the sexual misconduct but later changed his statement, saying he had received reports but did not remember.

Last month, Johnson survived a Conservative Party cabinet confidence vote with 211 votes in favor and 148 against, but he is again under fire and facing pressure to resign. Following Johnson's apology, Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Health Secretary Sajid Javid simultaneously submitted their resignations, stating they could no longer trust Johnson. Sunak and Javid were considered key members of Johnson's cabinet, playing crucial roles in overcoming COVID-19. Subsequently, Simon Hart, Secretary of State for Wales, also expressed his intention to resign, demanding Johnson's resignation, and about 40 others including deputy ministers, undersecretaries, and ministerial aides joined in resigning.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

Given the situation, even Johnson's close aides are urging him to step down voluntarily rather than be ousted through a vote. Notably, Housing Secretary Michael Gove and newly appointed Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi have also advised Johnson to resign. Johnson went as far as dismissing Gove on the 6th. The news agency described the dismissal of Gove as a "dangerous move," adding that "the Conservative Party will continue to openly rebel against the Prime Minister with ongoing mass resignations." Former Conservative Party leader Margo James told the BBC, "Gove is probably the most capable minister in the entire cabinet," calling the dismissal "an act of retaliation."

The Conservative Party is preparing a confidence vote on the Prime Minister. The 1922 Committee, a meeting of Conservative backbenchers, is considering changing the rule that requires one year to pass before a new confidence vote can be held after a successful one. The committee plans to elect new officers on the 11th who will discuss the rule change. The main opposition Labour Party is also calling for another confidence vote on the Prime Minister.

Political circles expect Johnson to face a confidence vote as early as next week. Media outlets are naming potential candidates for the next Prime Minister, including Chancellor Rishi Sunak, former Health Secretary Sajid Javid, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, Defense Secretary Ben Wallace, and Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi. Jeremy Hunt, who competed closely with Johnson three years ago, and Penny Mordaunt, Minister of State for International Trade, are also mentioned.