Watford Tory MP to support Boris Johnson in confidence vote

Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the Tory backbench 1922 Committee, confirmed to Boris Johnson on Sunday that he had received at least 54 letters – enough to trigger a vote - following backlash over lockdown-busting parties in No 10 and the direction of his leadership.

The secret ballot will take place at Westminster tonight (June 6) from 6pm to 8pm with the count immediately afterwards. To oust the Prime Minister, 180 MPs will need to give a vote of no confidence.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Credit: PA

Many Tory politicians have stated how they will be voting, including Watford MP Mr Russell, who has confirmed to the Observer he will back Mr Johnson tonight.

He said: "I entirely understand and accept why people are disappointed and frustrated following the reports at Number 10, but I do not feel this is the time for a distracting and divisive leadership contest given the challenges the country faces.

“As mentioned in the Sue Gray report, changes have been made and I will be voting to show my confidence in Boris Johnson’s plans for the future, and to refocus on delivering on the manifesto commitments the Government was elected on."

The Watford Labour Party have called on Mr Russell to do the “decent thing” and give a vote of no confidence in Mr Johnson.

The Watford Liberal Democrat party tweeted: “We hope that in private he (Mr Russell) will do what’s best for Watford & vote for a new Prime Minister.”

The Conservative MP for Watford always backs Boris Johnson in public. We hope that in private he will do what’s best for Watford & vote for a new Prime Minister.

We need a leader who has the authority & ability to tackle the big issues we face, especially soaring prices. https://t.co/jBKna8o6rl

— Watford Lib Dems 🔸🔸 (@WatfordLibDems) June 6, 2022

Hertsmere MP Oliver Dowden, who is also chairman of the Conservative Party, has also pledged his support to Mr Johnson.

In a tweet, Mr Dowden said he will be voting for Mr Johnson, adding he has “demonstrated real leadership in getting the big calls right” such as Brexit, vaccines, and Ukraine.  

I hope after this vote we can come together and focus on the future.

Let’s face the big challenges united and focused on delivery.

2/2

— Oliver Dowden (@OliverDowden) June 6, 2022

South West Hertfordshire MP Gagan Mohinda also gave his support, tweeting: "For the sake of clarity, I will be supporting Boris in tonight's vote. He has my full support."

A spokesperson for Hemel Hempstead MP Sir Mike Penning confirmed to the Observer he will be voting in support of the Prime Minister.

Allies of Mr Johnson have insisted he will carry on as Prime Minister even if significant numbers of Tory MPs refuse to back him in the confidence motion.

In a letter to colleagues ahead of the vote, Mr Johnson said: “Tonight we have the chance to end weeks of media speculation and take this country forward, immediately, as one united party.”