Boris Johnson's expected confirmation as PM 'likely to prompt resignations'
A recently-departed minister says she thinks others will quit to show their opposition to his "do or die" approach to Brexit.
Thursday 18 July 2019 20:52, UK
Boris Johnson's expected confirmation as Britain's next prime minister would likely prompt resignations from ministers opposed to his "do or die" approach to Brexit, Sky News has been told.
Margot James, who quit as digital minister to back a bid by MPs to make it more difficult for the next prime minister to suspend parliament in order to pursue a no-deal exit, said she expected more departures in the event of Mr Johnson defeating Jeremy Hunt.
She told Sky's political editor Beth Rigby: "I think there are others who think like me that we couldn't possibly sign up to Boris' 'do or die' Brexit, deal or no deal by 31 October.
"So if he does prevail, I think there will be more resignations, yes."
A winner in the contest to succeed Theresa May will be announced on Tuesday, with the victor taking over as prime minister the following afternoon.
This would leave a 24-hour window for any potential resignations before Mr Johnson begins forming his government.
The departures would be seen as a way for those quitting to put down a marker and make clear their opposition to his commitment to leaving the EU on 31 October, with or without a deal.
Mr Johnson has not ruled out suspending parliament in order to go for a no-deal Brexit, while Mr Hunt has said he would not use such a constitutional device.
Numerous votes in the Commons have demonstrated that a majority of MPs are opposed to no-deal.
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They argue it would cause economic disruption and affect numerous aspects of day-to-day life for the public.
Amid this climate the idea of proroguing parliament - which would bring the current session to an end - has emerged.
The theory goes that if MPs are not sitting, they cannot stop a prime minister going for no-deal.
However, opponents say it would be a startling overreach given Britain is a parliamentary democracy.
And in the Commons on Wednesday, MPs defeated the government on an amendment which could thwart attempts by Mr Johnson to force through a no-deal Brexit.
The amendment, which was passed by 315 votes to 274, was tabled to the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Bill.
It requires progress reports on efforts to restore devolved government in Northern Ireland to be debated regularly in parliament, effectively preventing proroguing.
Ms James was among 17 Conservative MPs who rebelled and backed it.
She told Sky News that she thought it was time for her to "take a stand" and "ensure that parliament maintains its voice throughout this difficult period".
Chancellor Philip Hammond, Justice Secretary David Gauke, Business Secretary Greg Clark and International Development Secretary Rory Stewart abstained.
Mr Hunt missed the vote, saying he mistakenly thought he had been given permission to.