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Brexit: crisis for Boris Johnson as MPs set to debate bill blocking no deal – politics live Brexit row: rebel MP Rory Stewart says Tory whip withdrawn via text message – live news
(32 minutes later)
Former Conservative leadership candidate, Rory Stewart – who was among 21 Tory MPs who had the whip removed last night after voting against the government – has revealed he was dumped from the party by text last night. Labour’s shadow Brexit minister, Keir Starmer, has told Sky News the party will not back a general election on Boris Johnson’s terms:
Stewart, who until weeks ago was international development secretary, has pledged to stand again for Parliament. Breaking: Labour confirms it won't back general election on Boris Johnson's terms. Keir Starmer tells @SkyNews "We are not voting for a general election today. We are not dancing to Boris Johnson’s tune. If Johnson says the election will be on 15 October no one trusts him”
He told BBC Radio 4 Today programme: “Yes, I intend to stand as a Conservative MP… I think this is very important. What’s happening here is our democracy is being challenged. It was challenged first by proroguing Parliament, it’s being challenged again by something completely unprecedented. Rory Stewart revealed on Twitter this morning that he was thrown out of the Conservative party by text last night after rebelling in the Commons:
For months it’s been clear that there is no majority for no-deal. It has been rejected repeatedly by parliament and no amount of threats or wishful thinking can make it otherwise. No-deal was never a viable strategy. https://t.co/sAvYTdzvCX
In an interview with the Evening Standard on Monday, the former Tory leadership hopeful said he would still love to be prime minister.
Kwasi Kwarteng, the business minister who has drawn the short straw by being sent out to bat for the government after its crushing defeat last night, says the 21 Tory rebels undermined the government’s position. He told the Today programme: “That was the basis with which the whip was withdrawn.”
Asked by the BBC’s Nick Robinson whether he believed the rebels want to “surrender” to the EU – as has been suggested by Johnson’s rhetoric – he replied: “Look, I wouldn’t use the word surrender or anything like that. They are undermining the prime minister’s position and that’s why the whip was withdrawn from them.”
He added: “You cannot have people standing as Conservative MPs when they are against the government policy on the key issue of the day.”
He said he is not sure what is going to happen this afternoon, explaining: “But what is very clear to me is that the leader of the opposition has said consistently that he wants a general election and it’s perverse of him, I think, to say now that he doesn’t want one and it suggests to me that he’s rather frightened of a general election.”
He said a general election “may well be … the best way forward” to resolve the impasse in Westminster.
Downing Street’s move to boot Rory Stewart out of the Conservative party, which he has served as an MP for nearly a decade, has prompted this reaction from members of the lobby:
Rory Stewart asked on @BBCr4today about the moment he had the whip withdrawn."It came by text."Classy
Rory Stewart says he wants to stand as a Tory MP despite being stripped of whipHe says ‘democracy is being challenged’‘I would like to stand as a Conservative for Conservative Party‘To deliver Brexit like this is to create a poison pill which will divide UK for 40 years’
.@RoryStewartUK on @BBCr4today "Probably the strongest reason why this is the wrong thing to do, is that to deliver Brexit like this is to create a poison pill which for 40 years will divide this country straight down the middle.
The former Conservative leadership candidate Rory Stewart – who was among 21 Tory MPs who had the whip removed last night after voting against the government – has revealed he was dumped from the party by text.
Stewart, who until weeks ago was international development secretary, has pledged to stand again for parliament.
He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “Yes, I intend to stand as a Conservative MP … I think this is very important. What’s happening here is our democracy is being challenged. It was challenged first by proroguing parliament, it’s being challenged again by something completely unprecedented.
“I mean, Mrs Thatcher had very strong views on the world but she didn’t, when people disagreed with her, try to deselect them as MPs.”“I mean, Mrs Thatcher had very strong views on the world but she didn’t, when people disagreed with her, try to deselect them as MPs.”
Asked what he can do about it and whether he would consider legal action, the Penrith and The Border MP said: “I would consider doing the most straight forward thing of all, which is asking my constituents to support me, which they always have in the past. And I think other colleagues will do the same.” Asked what he can do about it and whether he would consider legal action, the MP for Penrith and The Border said: “I would consider doing the most straight forward thing of all, which is asking my constituents to support me, which they always have in the past. And I think other colleagues will do the same.”
Good morning folks, Simon Murphy here taking over the live blog on what is likely to be another extraordinary day of politics in Westminster. Brace yourselves.Good morning folks, Simon Murphy here taking over the live blog on what is likely to be another extraordinary day of politics in Westminster. Brace yourselves.
That’s all from me for now, I’m going to hand over to my colleague Simon Murphy.That’s all from me for now, I’m going to hand over to my colleague Simon Murphy.
Anna Soubry says that the expulsion of “long-serving, loyal, one nation Conservatives” is “sure-fire proof” the party is “gripped by the ideological right”.Anna Soubry says that the expulsion of “long-serving, loyal, one nation Conservatives” is “sure-fire proof” the party is “gripped by the ideological right”.
Expelling long serving, loyal #OneNation #Conservatives for putting country first, is sure fire proof the its gripped by the ideological right. It’s an intolerant purity that has gripped @UKLabour since @jeremycorbyn ‘s election. Centrists must come together @ForChange_Now https://t.co/Jsmp6MHwV4Expelling long serving, loyal #OneNation #Conservatives for putting country first, is sure fire proof the its gripped by the ideological right. It’s an intolerant purity that has gripped @UKLabour since @jeremycorbyn ‘s election. Centrists must come together @ForChange_Now https://t.co/Jsmp6MHwV4
How the papers covered itHow the papers covered it
There is mixed coverage of Boris Johnson’s resounding defeat and his call for an election.There is mixed coverage of Boris Johnson’s resounding defeat and his call for an election.
The Guardian focuses on the significance of the defeat, calling it a “humiliation” for the PM. The Times gave weight to its front-page picture of an animated prime minister beneath the headline: “PM loses historic vote.” It says he “lost control of Brexit” as MPs paved the way for an extension on the 31 October deadline for an exit.The Guardian focuses on the significance of the defeat, calling it a “humiliation” for the PM. The Times gave weight to its front-page picture of an animated prime minister beneath the headline: “PM loses historic vote.” It says he “lost control of Brexit” as MPs paved the way for an extension on the 31 October deadline for an exit.
The Telegraph uses the headline: “Johnson demands election” and an image of the PM looking composed at the dispatch box. It carries a graphic with the numbers for last night’s vote without referring to the defeat. The Matt cartoon has the pets of Downing Street saying: “Somebody has made a horrible mess and I’m not clearing it up.”The Telegraph uses the headline: “Johnson demands election” and an image of the PM looking composed at the dispatch box. It carries a graphic with the numbers for last night’s vote without referring to the defeat. The Matt cartoon has the pets of Downing Street saying: “Somebody has made a horrible mess and I’m not clearing it up.”
The Express criticises the Tory rebels and parliament in general, accusing them of “betraying Brexit” on a shameful day for democracy. “Parliament surrenders to the EU,” is the headline, above an image of Johnson ruffling his hair.The Express criticises the Tory rebels and parliament in general, accusing them of “betraying Brexit” on a shameful day for democracy. “Parliament surrenders to the EU,” is the headline, above an image of Johnson ruffling his hair.
Guardian front page, Wednesday 4 September 2019: Humiliation for Johnson as Tory rebels turn against him pic.twitter.com/265zf5MNdBGuardian front page, Wednesday 4 September 2019: Humiliation for Johnson as Tory rebels turn against him pic.twitter.com/265zf5MNdB
TIMES FRONT PAGEPM loses historic vote pic.twitter.com/1CIw0JtSj4TIMES FRONT PAGEPM loses historic vote pic.twitter.com/1CIw0JtSj4
The front page of tomorrow’s Daily Telegraph: ‘Johnson demands election’ #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/MBXikSwB06The front page of tomorrow’s Daily Telegraph: ‘Johnson demands election’ #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/MBXikSwB06
EXPRESS: Parliament surrenders to the EU #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/OuvAc8rOlaEXPRESS: Parliament surrenders to the EU #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/OuvAc8rOla
Tomorrow's front page: Boris loses control#TomorrowsPapersToday https://t.co/TLiHc0mvKu pic.twitter.com/zo17SmoDtXTomorrow's front page: Boris loses control#TomorrowsPapersToday https://t.co/TLiHc0mvKu pic.twitter.com/zo17SmoDtX
I: ⁦@BorisJohnson⁩ loses control #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/6FWEAnWBWWI: ⁦@BorisJohnson⁩ loses control #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/6FWEAnWBWW
'Johnson loses control': how the papers covered the historic Commons defeat'Johnson loses control': how the papers covered the historic Commons defeat
Here are the Tory MPs who voted with opposition yesterday. They were then called by the chief whip telling them the whip had been removed and they were no longer part of the Conservative Party. Here are the Tory MPs who voted with the opposition yesterday. They were then called by the chief whip telling them the whip had been removed and they were no longer part of the Conservative party.
(As Jess Phillips, Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley, points out, that picture showing the 21 rebels makes it look like Rory Stewart is, in fact, a spy.)(As Jess Phillips, Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley, points out, that picture showing the 21 rebels makes it look like Rory Stewart is, in fact, a spy.)
Some of them have spoken out since then, including Ken Clarke, the father of the house, who told Newsnight he does not recognise his own party.Some of them have spoken out since then, including Ken Clarke, the father of the house, who told Newsnight he does not recognise his own party.
.@maitlis: "Do you recognise your party tonight?"Ken Clarke: "No. It’s been taken over by a rather knock-about character" The Father of the House says Boris Johnson’s cabinet is the “most right-wing cabinet any Conservative party’s ever produced” #Newsnight | @maitlis pic.twitter.com/qSzXkQs9gO.@maitlis: "Do you recognise your party tonight?"Ken Clarke: "No. It’s been taken over by a rather knock-about character" The Father of the House says Boris Johnson’s cabinet is the “most right-wing cabinet any Conservative party’s ever produced” #Newsnight | @maitlis pic.twitter.com/qSzXkQs9gO
My colleague Aditya Chakrabortty has written this column about the threats to democracy we have seen this week. He writes:My colleague Aditya Chakrabortty has written this column about the threats to democracy we have seen this week. He writes:
Growing up, I learned that leaders who threaten democracy normally came decked out in khaki green, in front of troops toting shiny hardware. They commandeered broadcast studios, captured national buildings and imposed curfews on the streets. What is happening in Britain this week looks nothing like those grainy TV pictures, but it nonetheless marks an assault on our democracy.Growing up, I learned that leaders who threaten democracy normally came decked out in khaki green, in front of troops toting shiny hardware. They commandeered broadcast studios, captured national buildings and imposed curfews on the streets. What is happening in Britain this week looks nothing like those grainy TV pictures, but it nonetheless marks an assault on our democracy.
The government wants to shut down parliamentary democracy, claiming it is acting for the good of parliamentary democracy. From within No 10 Dominic Cummings threatens to end the career of elected MPs. And David Gauke, the Conservative MP who just six weeks ago was secretary of state for justice, wrote to his former government colleagues on Monday to ask them to obey the rule of law.The government wants to shut down parliamentary democracy, claiming it is acting for the good of parliamentary democracy. From within No 10 Dominic Cummings threatens to end the career of elected MPs. And David Gauke, the Conservative MP who just six weeks ago was secretary of state for justice, wrote to his former government colleagues on Monday to ask them to obey the rule of law.
Just because the paradoxes are so glaring makes them no less dangerous. The self-proclaimed party of law and order has this summer dropped the first bit to become merely the party of order. In this battle of Brexit-blocking politicians versus the people, the tribune of us plebs is none other than Jacob Rees-Mogg. His leader is Boris Johnson, perhaps the most slovenly would-be authoritarian in contemporary history.Just because the paradoxes are so glaring makes them no less dangerous. The self-proclaimed party of law and order has this summer dropped the first bit to become merely the party of order. In this battle of Brexit-blocking politicians versus the people, the tribune of us plebs is none other than Jacob Rees-Mogg. His leader is Boris Johnson, perhaps the most slovenly would-be authoritarian in contemporary history.
A reminder of this moment from last night’s debate and the many and various jokes it spawned.A reminder of this moment from last night’s debate and the many and various jokes it spawned.
pic.twitter.com/KkTndNQkBNpic.twitter.com/KkTndNQkBN
pic.twitter.com/uRoLwalAhopic.twitter.com/uRoLwalAho
pic.twitter.com/XHyAPb0rdPpic.twitter.com/XHyAPb0rdP
laid back, with my mind on my money and my money on my mindrollin down the street, smokin indo, sippin on gin and juice pic.twitter.com/tFWxZRCD0ilaid back, with my mind on my money and my money on my mindrollin down the street, smokin indo, sippin on gin and juice pic.twitter.com/tFWxZRCD0i
Alas, poor Ophelia pic.twitter.com/mO3jqh39smAlas, poor Ophelia pic.twitter.com/mO3jqh39sm
Have you woken up in such a fog of Brexit confusion that you are struggling to remember what exactly happened yesterday and whether to be more furious, exasperated, delighted or enraged? If you need a gentle reminder I’ve written a short explainer of what happened yesterday, addressing questions like:Have you woken up in such a fog of Brexit confusion that you are struggling to remember what exactly happened yesterday and whether to be more furious, exasperated, delighted or enraged? If you need a gentle reminder I’ve written a short explainer of what happened yesterday, addressing questions like:
What just happened?What just happened?
Boris Johnson has just lost a very significant vote in parliament, which has allowed MPs to seize control of the parliamentary timetable. It paves the way to introduce a bill that is designed to block a no-deal Brexit by forcing the prime minister to request an extension if he cannot strike a reworked divorce agreement with the rest of the EU.Boris Johnson has just lost a very significant vote in parliament, which has allowed MPs to seize control of the parliamentary timetable. It paves the way to introduce a bill that is designed to block a no-deal Brexit by forcing the prime minister to request an extension if he cannot strike a reworked divorce agreement with the rest of the EU.
Johnson threatened his MPs ahead of Tuesday that they should vote with him or face the penalty of having the “whip” withdrawn. Despite this threat, Johnson lost the vote. The rebel MPs and opposition parties won by 328 to 301.Johnson threatened his MPs ahead of Tuesday that they should vote with him or face the penalty of having the “whip” withdrawn. Despite this threat, Johnson lost the vote. The rebel MPs and opposition parties won by 328 to 301.
What does it mean to ‘withdraw the whip’?What does it mean to ‘withdraw the whip’?
An arcane and slightly disturbing expression, in political-speak “withdrawing the whip” from someone effectively means booting them out of the party, without them immediately losing their seat.An arcane and slightly disturbing expression, in political-speak “withdrawing the whip” from someone effectively means booting them out of the party, without them immediately losing their seat.
An MP who has the whip withdrawn sits as an independent, but can be brought back into the party fold if it decides to restore the whip. Having the whip withdrawn is one of the most serious disciplinary actions that can be taken against an MP by a party. In this case it may mean they are barred from standing for the Tories in the next election.An MP who has the whip withdrawn sits as an independent, but can be brought back into the party fold if it decides to restore the whip. Having the whip withdrawn is one of the most serious disciplinary actions that can be taken against an MP by a party. In this case it may mean they are barred from standing for the Tories in the next election.
What happens next?What happens next?
Boris Johnson has announced he will ask parliament to allow a snap general election, which would be held on 15 October. The date of 14 October had been floated, but was deemed inappropriate as it is the Jewish holiday Sukkot.Boris Johnson has announced he will ask parliament to allow a snap general election, which would be held on 15 October. The date of 14 October had been floated, but was deemed inappropriate as it is the Jewish holiday Sukkot.
Johnson has said that even if the rebels’ vote passes on Wednesday he will never request an extension beyond 31 October from the EU, and “the people of this country will have to choose” in an election. However, the prime minister needs a two-thirds majority to secure an early general election under the Fixed-term Parliaments Act. Which means Labour can block it – and Jeremy Corbyn quickly made clear his party would not vote for an election unless and until the anti-no-deal bill has passed.Johnson has said that even if the rebels’ vote passes on Wednesday he will never request an extension beyond 31 October from the EU, and “the people of this country will have to choose” in an election. However, the prime minister needs a two-thirds majority to secure an early general election under the Fixed-term Parliaments Act. Which means Labour can block it – and Jeremy Corbyn quickly made clear his party would not vote for an election unless and until the anti-no-deal bill has passed.
There is talk that if things reach a stalemate, it could result in a motion of no confidence in Johnson, but the prospects of that remain unclear.There is talk that if things reach a stalemate, it could result in a motion of no confidence in Johnson, but the prospects of that remain unclear.
Whips and votes and early polls: what is going on in UK politics?Whips and votes and early polls: what is going on in UK politics?
Good morning and welcome to our rolling coverage of the day in politics.Good morning and welcome to our rolling coverage of the day in politics.
It’s only been three hours since we shut down last night’s blog, and hopefully you’ve all had some sleep and some top-shelf coffee since you logged off last night, because it’s going to be another massive day.It’s only been three hours since we shut down last night’s blog, and hopefully you’ve all had some sleep and some top-shelf coffee since you logged off last night, because it’s going to be another massive day.
Yesterday Johnson suffered a humiliating defeat in his first House of Commons vote as prime minister, losing the vote 328 to 301, despite threatening his MPs that the whip would be withdrawn if they did not vote with him.Yesterday Johnson suffered a humiliating defeat in his first House of Commons vote as prime minister, losing the vote 328 to 301, despite threatening his MPs that the whip would be withdrawn if they did not vote with him.
The move was aimed at paving the way for a bill, which is designed to block a no-deal Brexit by forcing the prime minister to request an extension to article 50 if he cannot strike a reworked deal with the EU27.The move was aimed at paving the way for a bill, which is designed to block a no-deal Brexit by forcing the prime minister to request an extension to article 50 if he cannot strike a reworked deal with the EU27.
Former cabinet ministers including Philip Hammond and David Gauke were among 21 Conservative rebels who banded together with opposition MPs to seize control of the parliamentary timetable on a dramatic day in Westminster.Former cabinet ministers including Philip Hammond and David Gauke were among 21 Conservative rebels who banded together with opposition MPs to seize control of the parliamentary timetable on a dramatic day in Westminster.
After the defeat, Johnson announced he would ask parliament to support plans for a snap October general election, saying he would never request the delay mandated in the rebels’ bill (which they are due to table today, having won control of the parliamentary debate yesterday) which he said would “hand control of the negotiations to the EU”.After the defeat, Johnson announced he would ask parliament to support plans for a snap October general election, saying he would never request the delay mandated in the rebels’ bill (which they are due to table today, having won control of the parliamentary debate yesterday) which he said would “hand control of the negotiations to the EU”.
However, it is unclear whether Johnson will be able to get the support needed to hold an election. The prime minister needs a two-thirds majority to secure a general election under the Fixed-term Parliaments Act, and Jeremy Corbyn quickly made clear his party would not vote for the motion unless and until the anti no-deal bill had passed.However, it is unclear whether Johnson will be able to get the support needed to hold an election. The prime minister needs a two-thirds majority to secure a general election under the Fixed-term Parliaments Act, and Jeremy Corbyn quickly made clear his party would not vote for the motion unless and until the anti no-deal bill had passed.
There’s a lot that is unclear, a lot that is uncharted, but come along with us as we attempt to chart it. I’ll be with you for the first little while, before handing over to my esteemed colleagues.There’s a lot that is unclear, a lot that is uncharted, but come along with us as we attempt to chart it. I’ll be with you for the first little while, before handing over to my esteemed colleagues.
As usual, get in touch through the comments, on Twitter or via email (kate.lyons@theguardian.com).As usual, get in touch through the comments, on Twitter or via email (kate.lyons@theguardian.com).
Let’s go.Let’s go.
Boris Johnson to seek election after rebel Tories deliver Commons defeatBoris Johnson to seek election after rebel Tories deliver Commons defeat