What is a motion of no confidence - and how does it work?

British politics enters uncharted waters if the government is voted down

Ashley Cowburn
Saturday 28 September 2019 21:07 BST
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Boris Johnson arrives in Manchester ahead of the Tory conference yesterday
Boris Johnson arrives in Manchester ahead of the Tory conference yesterday

On the eve of Boris Johnson’s first party conference as Tory leader, opposition parties at Westminster are threatening to ambush his government with a vote of no confidence.

Devoid of any goodwill following the prime minister’s combative language in the House of Commons and the looming Brexit deadline, MPs voted against the government last week, rejecting a request for a short, four-day conference recess.

It means for the first time in recent British political history, the Commons will be sitting as the governing party conducts its annual gathering of members. Expect to see cabinet ministers and Tory MPs dashing between Manchester and London for any crucial votes.

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