British Prime Minister Boris Johnson vowed to continue fighting on Wednesday despite a chorus of calls for him to step down. However, a growing number of his own lawmakers have mocked and disregarded his defiant promise to continue.
Johnson, who had been severely wounded by the resignations of a number of senior colleagues and junior ministers who claimed he was unfit to lead, attempted to fight back during the weekly prime minister’s questions session in parliament.
With the number of resignations reaching over 20, some questioned Johnson’s ability to fill positions at a time when the government is being urged to address a cost-of-living crisis and support an economy that is likely to enter a recession.
At a meeting of the so-called 1922 Committee, which establishes the guidelines for leadership confidence votes, his immediate future may be decided as soon as later on Wednesday. Johnson was certain he would prevail in a motion for confidence, according to a spokesperson.
Keeping going is “the job of a prime minister in difficult circumstances.” Johnson remarked. And I’m going to do just that.
He had previously made an effort to reassert his authority by swiftly selecting Nadhim Zahawi, a rising star in the Conservative Party who is widely credited with the successful introduction of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Johnson’s performance in parliament, however, was met with a harsh reaction.
Some of his cabinet team’s top ministers struggled to control their laughter as the opposition Labour leader made fun of his cabinet for being in the “charge of the lightweight brigade,” underscoring the precarious position he is in.
