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Theresa May survives confidence vote with a majority of 83 – Politics live Theresa May survives confidence vote with a majority of 83 – Politics live
(35 minutes later)
Here’s the full transcript of the short speech Theresa May has just given outside Number 10: The prisons minister, Rory Stewart, said there were “no surprises” in the result.
This has been a long and challneging day. But, at the end of it, I’m pleased to have received the backing of my collegaues in tonight’s ballot. Whilst I’m grateful for that support, a significant number of colleagues did cast a vote against me and I have listened to what they said. Nobody wants to see divisions in the party, nobody wants to see splits. But it is a comfortable majority for the prime minister and, from my point of view, the important thing is that in a secret ballot, with no pressure on anybody, people have voted by a comfortable majority for the prime minster’s deal. And that’s a very good starting point to take forward into Europe.
He said calls for May to resign were “completely absurd”, saying:
The people that are saying she would resign are the people who two hours ago were saying she was going to lose the vote – it doesn’t seem to me they are very good at acknowledging the results of democratic votes.
Some more reaction coming in from senior Tories, who are backing the prime minister:
Strong result tonight. Now we can get on with the important work ahead.
Clear and decisive win for @theresa_may this evening. We now need to focus on delivering Brexit in a way that respects the referendum result and also protects jobs and our security.
There is a very subtle difference in the language being employed by some cabinet members to that being used by others. Some are not explicitly backing May as leader, but are echoing her sentiment that the government should now “get on with the job”. Others are explicitly backing her.
But, as the Sun’s political editor Tom Newton-Dunn points out, the important split that’s forming is the one among those who oppose May as leader:
A split now emerging between Tory Brexit rebels on how to handle the result. Compare Crispin Blunt's concession below with Jacob Rees-Mogg's: "Under all constitutional norms, she ought to go and see the Queen urgently and resign". https://t.co/YuYwRgTe89
Nadine Dorries, who has also been a prominent critic of the prime minister’s Brexit plan, is another to strike a concoliatory tone, saying she will “respect the result” of the leadership vote.
The PM has secured the confidence of the parliamentary party tonight. It’s not the way I voted. However, I will fully respect the result.
Will Quince, who quit as a ministerial aide at the weekend over May’s Brexit plan, said it was now “time to unite and get on and deliver Brexit”.
I look forward to the EU withdrawal agreement coming before the Commons in the new year but, importantly, with the legally binding solution that will make the backstop temporary.
Jacob Rees-Mogg, the leader of a hard-Brexit supporting backbench group and an ardent critic of Theresa May, has been comparing the her position to that of Margaret Thatcher, who won a confidence vote but resigned as prime minister shortly afterwards. He told Sky News:
I think we have a choice: Either she behaves like Margaret Thatcher ... or she behaves like John Major and leads the Conservative party to a terrible defeat. Those are the choices facing her and the party...
But he appeared to offer his terms to May when asked whether there was “no prospect” of him ever supporting her EU withdrawal plan. He said:
Well, not unless she can get rid of the backstop. If she can take the backstop out, there are bits of the withdrawal agreement I don’t like, but I’m willing to compromise.
The home secretary, Sajid Javid, is the latest cabinet minister to tweet in support of the prime minister:
Right, vote over. Time to come together, deliver Brexit and so much more
His Conservative colleague Andrew Bridgen, however, says his party has “missed an opportunity” by not getting rid of Theresa May.
Speaking outside parliament, the North West Leicestershire MP, said: “The withdrawal agreement is, politically, dead.”
Here’s the full transcript of the short speech Theresa May has just given outside No 10:
This has been a long and challneging day. But, at the end of it, I’m pleased to have received the backing of my colleagues in tonight’s ballot. Whilst I’m grateful for that support, a significant number of colleagues did cast a vote against me and I have listened to what they said.
Following this ballot, we now need to get on with the job of delivering Brexit for the British people and building a better future for this country – a Brexit that delivers on the vote that people gave, that brings back control of our money, our borders and our laws, that protects jobs, security and the union [and] that brings the country back together, rather than entrenching division. That must start here in Westminster with politicians on all sides coming together and acting in the national interest.Following this ballot, we now need to get on with the job of delivering Brexit for the British people and building a better future for this country – a Brexit that delivers on the vote that people gave, that brings back control of our money, our borders and our laws, that protects jobs, security and the union [and] that brings the country back together, rather than entrenching division. That must start here in Westminster with politicians on all sides coming together and acting in the national interest.
For my part, I have heard what the House of Commons said about the Northern Ireland backstop and, when I go to the European Council tomorrow, I will be seeking legal and political assurances that will assuage the concerns that members of Parliament have on that issue. For my part, I have heard what the House of Commons said about the Northern Ireland backstop and, when I go to the European council tomorrow, I will be seeking legal and political assurances that will assuage the concerns that members of parliament have on that issue.
But, while delivering Brexit is important, we also need to focus on the other issues that people feel are vital to them, that matter to them to day to day – the issues that we came into politics to deal with. Building a stronger economy, delivering first class public services, building the homes that families need. We owe it to the people who put us here to put their priorities first. But, while delivering Brexit is important, we also need to focus on the other issues that people feel are vital to them, that matter to them to day to day – the issues that we came into politics to deal with. Building a stronger economy, delivering first-class public services, building the homes that families need. We owe it to the people who put us here to put their priorities first.
So, here is our renewed mission: Delivering the Brexit that people voted for, bringing the country back together and building a country that truly works for everyone.So, here is our renewed mission: Delivering the Brexit that people voted for, bringing the country back together and building a country that truly works for everyone.
She ignored a shouted question about whether or not she would actually be able to get her Brexit deal through Parliament – something her own hard-Brexit supporting MPs are openly predicting she will fail to do. She ignored a shouted question about whether or not she would actually be able to get her Brexit deal through parliament – something her own hard-Brexit supporting MPs are openly predicting she will fail to do.
This is what political journalists and commentators are saying about what the result means for Theresa May.This is what political journalists and commentators are saying about what the result means for Theresa May.
From the BBC’s Laura KuenssbergFrom the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg
1. PM safe for tonight - % support higher than in 20162. But concerns far wider than organised ERG Brexiteer group3. Leadership can't pretend it's only 'headbangers' to use MP s word - who want her out -bigger loss than supporters expected4. Tory party stuck in Brexit gridlock1. PM safe for tonight - % support higher than in 20162. But concerns far wider than organised ERG Brexiteer group3. Leadership can't pretend it's only 'headbangers' to use MP s word - who want her out -bigger loss than supporters expected4. Tory party stuck in Brexit gridlock
From the Spectator’s James ForsythFrom the Spectator’s James Forsyth
Think 117 against has to be considered a disappointing result for her. It is a win, but weakens her authority still further especially given that this came after a pledge not to fight the next election https://t.co/DDTvwsaGxFThink 117 against has to be considered a disappointing result for her. It is a win, but weakens her authority still further especially given that this came after a pledge not to fight the next election https://t.co/DDTvwsaGxF
From ITV’s Robert PestonFrom ITV’s Robert Peston
Well over half of independent Tory MPs voted against her - and even then she had to concede she would not lead party into next election.Well over half of independent Tory MPs voted against her - and even then she had to concede she would not lead party into next election.
From Sky’s Lewis GoodallFrom Sky’s Lewis Goodall
May isn't safe. She is now beholden to her cabinet. They saved her today. With her position in the parliamentary party so parlous she is absolutely vulnerable to a visitation from the men and women in grey suits.May isn't safe. She is now beholden to her cabinet. They saved her today. With her position in the parliamentary party so parlous she is absolutely vulnerable to a visitation from the men and women in grey suits.
From the New Statesman’s George EatonFrom the New Statesman’s George Eaton
Given how May squandered the Tory majority, it’s arguably surprising 200 Conservative MPs still have confidence 18 months later.Given how May squandered the Tory majority, it’s arguably surprising 200 Conservative MPs still have confidence 18 months later.
From the Sun’s Nick GutteridgeFrom the Sun’s Nick Gutteridge
The EU will look at these numbers and doubtless wonder why it should offer May any significant new assurances on the backstop. They lay brutally bare how minimal her chances are of getting the current deal, or anything that looks even remotely like it, through Parliament. https://t.co/lymkIquSclThe EU will look at these numbers and doubtless wonder why it should offer May any significant new assurances on the backstop. They lay brutally bare how minimal her chances are of getting the current deal, or anything that looks even remotely like it, through Parliament. https://t.co/lymkIquScl
From the Daily Mirror’s Pippa CrerarFrom the Daily Mirror’s Pippa Crerar
The PM wins by 200 votes to 117 - that is a HUGE chunk of her own party to vote against her. There will be more trouble ahead.The PM wins by 200 votes to 117 - that is a HUGE chunk of her own party to vote against her. There will be more trouble ahead.
From the New Statesman’s Jason CowleyFrom the New Statesman’s Jason Cowley
May can't get her signature Brexit deal through the House and 117 of her MPs have no confidence in her - in normal times, they'd be a general election, but these are seriously abnormal times ...May can't get her signature Brexit deal through the House and 117 of her MPs have no confidence in her - in normal times, they'd be a general election, but these are seriously abnormal times ...
From the Sun’s Tom Newton DunnFrom the Sun’s Tom Newton Dunn
Result's significance: not to even to carry two thirds of her MPs' support (63%) is a blow. She limps on, but wounded.Result's significance: not to even to carry two thirds of her MPs' support (63%) is a blow. She limps on, but wounded.
From ITV’s Chris ShipFrom ITV’s Chris Ship
I just listened to Jacob Rees-Mogg calling this a ‘terrible result’ for the PM. 37% against v 63% for. I’m no mathematician, but that’s a bigger margin than the referendum’s 48% v 52%, no??I just listened to Jacob Rees-Mogg calling this a ‘terrible result’ for the PM. 37% against v 63% for. I’m no mathematician, but that’s a bigger margin than the referendum’s 48% v 52%, no??
That is all from me.That is all from me.
My colleague Kevin Rawlinson is now taking over.My colleague Kevin Rawlinson is now taking over.
Theresa May has just been speaking outside Downing Street. She acknowledged that a “significant number” of her MPs voted against her and says she is listening to them. But, she said, she is going to get on with Brexit.Theresa May has just been speaking outside Downing Street. She acknowledged that a “significant number” of her MPs voted against her and says she is listening to them. But, she said, she is going to get on with Brexit.
And May adopted the language Corbyn has used in recent days – highlighting that Brexit is not the only issue that faces the UK.And May adopted the language Corbyn has used in recent days – highlighting that Brexit is not the only issue that faces the UK.
Jacob Rees-Mogg, the chair of the ERG, who led the push for a confidence vote, says he accepts the result, but that Theresa May should resign.Jacob Rees-Mogg, the chair of the ERG, who led the push for a confidence vote, says he accepts the result, but that Theresa May should resign.
I accept the confidence vote result but Theresa May should still meet the Queen and resign, says leading Conservative Brexiteer Jacob Rees-MoggLatest updates: https://t.co/eU9qe2rnbG pic.twitter.com/RyhydqNFmmI accept the confidence vote result but Theresa May should still meet the Queen and resign, says leading Conservative Brexiteer Jacob Rees-MoggLatest updates: https://t.co/eU9qe2rnbG pic.twitter.com/RyhydqNFmm
From Philip Hammond, the chancellorFrom Philip Hammond, the chancellor
Tonight's vote of confidence in the Prime Minister @theresa_may, is the right one. Now is the time to focus on the future. Her deal means we will honour the referendum result while safeguarding jobs and maintaining business confidence.Tonight's vote of confidence in the Prime Minister @theresa_may, is the right one. Now is the time to focus on the future. Her deal means we will honour the referendum result while safeguarding jobs and maintaining business confidence.
Andrew Bridgen, one of May’s most vocal critics, says the party has just “kicked the can down the road”.Andrew Bridgen, one of May’s most vocal critics, says the party has just “kicked the can down the road”.
Andrew Bridgen MP - “The Parliamentary Party has just kicked the can down the road.”Andrew Bridgen MP - “The Parliamentary Party has just kicked the can down the road.”
Theresa May got 63% of the votes. That is less than the 66% that John Major got in 1995, when he triggered a leadership contest as prime minister and ended up fighting a contest against John Redwood (although that was a leadership election, not a confidence ballot).
Jeremy Corbyn, the Labour leader, has put out a statement about the result. He says:
Tonight’s vote makes no difference to the lives of our people.
The prime minister has lost her majority in parliament, her government is in chaos and she is unable to deliver a Brexit deal that works for the country and puts jobs and the economy first.
That’s why she pulled the vote on her botched Brexit deal this week and is trying to avoid bringing it back to parliament. It’s clear that she has not been able to negotiate the necessary changes in Europe.
She must now bring her dismal deal back to the House of Commons next week so parliament can take back control.
Labour is ready to govern for the whole country and deliver a deal that protects living standards and workers’ rights.
Chris Grayling, the transport secretary, has just told BBC News that this is a “strong vote of support” for May. She got more votes than she did in the 2016 leadership election, he says. (See 8.05pm.)
Sir Graham Brady is here. He is standing at end with the podium, surrounded by other members of the 1922 Committee.
He announces the result.
The result of the ballot this evening is that the parliamentary party does have confidence in ...
And at that point we could not hear the rest, because of the cheering.
Here are the results.
For May: 200
Against May: 117
Theresa May has won a confidence vote in her leadership of the Tory party by 200 to 117.
A majority of Conservative MPs backed her in a secret ballot after the prime minister signalled she would step down before the 2022 election.
Chief whip in room. Smiling
The Telegraph’s Steven Swinford says May’s critics are not giving up.
So what next for the Tory rebels, assuming that they lose tonight?Eurosceptics already thinking about the 'nuclear option' - a non-binding motion of no confidence against their own PM, removing her with backing of Labour, SNP & Lib Dems.They're not giving up...
... Unlike Mark Francois, a leading figure in the European Research Group, who is also here and looking a bit glum.
We might get a better picture soon. The Foreign Office minister Alan Duncan has just stood on a desk to taking a photograph of the waiting journalists. He is in a very jovial mood.
From the FT’s Jim Pickard
not allowed to take a photo but if you’re wondering this is what committee room 14 looks like....over 100 journalists at one end, a gaggle of Tory MPs chatting at the other...we will find out May’s fate in 15 minutes pic.twitter.com/KJstqOPpVu