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May tells Tory MPs she won't fight next general election just before confidence vote – Politics live May vows to stand down as leader before 2022 election as Tory MPs vote on her future – Politics live
(35 minutes later)
This is from the BBC’s Nick Eardley.
Hearing the PM rebuked the chancellor after he described some Brexiteers as extremists.Source said she told room: “There are no extremists here”
This is from Channel 4 News’ Michael Crick.
On the last three occasions a Conservative leader has faced a serious challenge like this one - Heath (1975), Thatcher (1990) and IDS (2003) - the vote against the leader was significantly higher than experts had forecast
Piecing together the various accounts of what Theresa May told the 1922 Committee, it is now becoming clear what she said. But it has taken a while. (“Typical May,” a colleague says. “She tries to deliver a message, but no one can agree what she said.”)
May told MPs clearly that she would not fight the general election in 2022. Because she has repeatedly ruled out calling a snap general election, in her mind this is the next general election.
As for what might happen if there were an election before 2022, on that she was non-committal. An MP in the room said she made the point that she would then be asked to commit to standing down in 2021, or in 2020, or even next year.
So, if there were to be an early election, it is possible she could still seek to lead her party into it.
But the commitment to go before a 2022 election did make an impact, the MP said. “It was much more clear than the briefing you guys were given earlier,” he said. “It did make a difference.”
Asked what the mood in the room was like when Mrs May said she wouldn't stand again in 2022, Liz Truss said: "There was some regret but I think people understand that's the case."Asked what the mood in the room was like when Mrs May said she wouldn't stand again in 2022, Liz Truss said: "There was some regret but I think people understand that's the case."
It is becoming clear that, when Theresa May said she would not fight the next general election, there was a bit of wriggle room in her pledge. These are from ITV’s Robert Peston.It is becoming clear that, when Theresa May said she would not fight the next general election, there was a bit of wriggle room in her pledge. These are from ITV’s Robert Peston.
OK. Multiple MP sources saying @theresa_may was “unambiguously clear” she will not fight next election. “That will help” said one influential MPOK. Multiple MP sources saying @theresa_may was “unambiguously clear” she will not fight next election. “That will help” said one influential MP
This is getting slightly ridiculous. Another Tory MP says @theresa_may committed only to going before 2022 if election then - but would not rule out leading party into a possible “snap” election in coming year! “We’ve got her for another three years!” was the heartfelt cryThis is getting slightly ridiculous. Another Tory MP says @theresa_may committed only to going before 2022 if election then - but would not rule out leading party into a possible “snap” election in coming year! “We’ve got her for another three years!” was the heartfelt cry
From the Conservative MP Bob SeelyFrom the Conservative MP Bob Seely
PM did well enough. Some hostile questions but overwhelming mood supportive. Very strongly suspect she will survive.PM did well enough. Some hostile questions but overwhelming mood supportive. Very strongly suspect she will survive.
From the Conservative MP Robert Halfon.From the Conservative MP Robert Halfon.
In #1922Committee told PM, that despite my differences with her over the #EUDeal, I would be supporting her in the vote this evening, and asked her to pledge that social justice would be number one priority for Government once Brexit sorted. PM made that pledge. https://t.co/fMZQWSRquaIn #1922Committee told PM, that despite my differences with her over the #EUDeal, I would be supporting her in the vote this evening, and asked her to pledge that social justice would be number one priority for Government once Brexit sorted. PM made that pledge. https://t.co/fMZQWSRqua
Tory MPs leaving the 1922 Committee Meeting confirm there was no announcement in next week’s business of the meaningful vote being brought to the Commons. “It could yet be next week but more likely in January,” confides a DExEU source.Tory MPs leaving the 1922 Committee Meeting confirm there was no announcement in next week’s business of the meaningful vote being brought to the Commons. “It could yet be next week but more likely in January,” confides a DExEU source.
The corridor is starting to thin out a bit, but this is also where MPs will come to vote, and the ballot is about to open.The corridor is starting to thin out a bit, but this is also where MPs will come to vote, and the ballot is about to open.
Margot James is first in queue to vote, followed my Mike Freer, Sarah Newton.Margot James is first in queue to vote, followed my Mike Freer, Sarah Newton.
This is from George Freeman MP.This is from George Freeman MP.
Powerful & moving moment in the #1922 as the PM makes clear that she has has listened, heard & respects the will of the Party that once she has delivered an orderly Brexit, she will step aside for the election of a new Leader to lead the reunification & renewal we need. Respect. https://t.co/oF9KizADEUPowerful & moving moment in the #1922 as the PM makes clear that she has has listened, heard & respects the will of the Party that once she has delivered an orderly Brexit, she will step aside for the election of a new Leader to lead the reunification & renewal we need. Respect. https://t.co/oF9KizADEU
Jacob Rees-Mogg clearly does not trust the PM’s promise to stand down before the election.Jacob Rees-Mogg clearly does not trust the PM’s promise to stand down before the election.
Jacob Rees-Mogg says that the PM’s claim that it is her intention to stand down before 2022 is not definite as “intention” is “such a politician’s word”.Jacob Rees-Mogg says that the PM’s claim that it is her intention to stand down before 2022 is not definite as “intention” is “such a politician’s word”.
A quote from Margot James MP.A quote from Margot James MP.
Margot James MP: “I feel she will have won over waverers with her performance. People have no doubt she has done her best. I said David Cameron has got us into this impasse, and the PM has done her best to make it work.”Margot James MP: “I feel she will have won over waverers with her performance. People have no doubt she has done her best. I said David Cameron has got us into this impasse, and the PM has done her best to make it work.”
Another MP came out saying Theresa May understands now she has to get a Brexit deal that is acceptable to the DUP.Another MP came out saying Theresa May understands now she has to get a Brexit deal that is acceptable to the DUP.
More from the meeting.More from the meeting.
Lee Rowley: “Stamina is not a policy Prime Minister”. Ouch.Lee Rowley: “Stamina is not a policy Prime Minister”. Ouch.
Victoria Atkins wells up as she confirms PM told the room she know she can’t lead the Tory party in the 2022 electionVictoria Atkins wells up as she confirms PM told the room she know she can’t lead the Tory party in the 2022 election
Told the PM said to MPs at the 1922 committee, “in my heart, I would like to lead the party into the next general election” - but she accepts that is not the will of her colleagues.Told the PM said to MPs at the 1922 committee, “in my heart, I would like to lead the party into the next general election” - but she accepts that is not the will of her colleagues.
The corridor is now rammed. I didn’t see the PM as she came out (I’m on a bench with a laptop on my knee), but she looked happier than when she went in, according to the Spectator’s James Forsyth.The corridor is now rammed. I didn’t see the PM as she came out (I’m on a bench with a laptop on my knee), but she looked happier than when she went in, according to the Spectator’s James Forsyth.
Theresa May definitely looked happier when she came out than when she went inTheresa May definitely looked happier when she came out than when she went in
“It was very emotional,” another MP says on the way out. “She has devoted her life to the party.”“It was very emotional,” another MP says on the way out. “She has devoted her life to the party.”
Julian Smith, the chief whip, comes out. Asked how it went, he said: “Very positive.” Or a source close to the chief whip said it was “very positive”. It is not always clear what the sourcing conventions are on these occasions.Julian Smith, the chief whip, comes out. Asked how it went, he said: “Very positive.” Or a source close to the chief whip said it was “very positive”. It is not always clear what the sourcing conventions are on these occasions.
Loud banging is coming from the committee room now. And some cheers. That’s a sign it’s over.Loud banging is coming from the committee room now. And some cheers. That’s a sign it’s over.