The timetable for another no confidence vote in Boris Johnson's leadership could be drastically shortened if senior Tories back a rule change on Wednesday night.
Under the current rules of the 1922 Committee of backbench Conservatives, the Prime Minister cannot face another challenge within a year of what was a shaky victory last month.
But this could be torn up if the group’s executive proceeds with a proposed rule change, as Mr Johnson’s authority evaporates with a series of ministerial resignations.
How does the 1922 Committee work?
Nominations open on Wednesday for candidates in elections to the 1922 Conservative Party backbench committee, with the shape of the new panel set to develop a week later, as it looks set to play a crucial role in the future of Britain’s prime minister.
The forum that governs Conservative Party rules has arrived at possibly the most powerful and important juncture in its 99-year history, as nominations close for 16 places on its executive board.
It takes its name from an effort to represent the views of Conservatives elected in 1922, at a time when the party was divided over trade policy. It has acted as the linchpin of the party since.
Over the course of a few hours on July 13, No 10 Downing Street will discover whether the 16 elected MPs are composed of those believed to either favour Boris Johnson continuing as leader or if the balance has tilted against him remaining in power.
The committee’s importance stems from its ability to set the rules, and the new board has the power to move quickly to organise a vote of confidence in Mr Johnson, a little more than a month since the last effort to depose him fell short.
Will the rules change?
Under current rules, the prime minister is immune from a second confidence vote for precisely 12 months since the poll on June 6, in which 148 of his MPs voted against him and 211 backed the incumbent.
That vote was triggered by at least 15 per cent of the parliamentary party, or 54 MPs, sending letters of no confidence to Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the committee.
In a briefing to Westminster journalists on June 6, Sir Graham admitted the rules could be changed with ease should the committee so decide. That ability is what makes the July 13 vote a vital moment for both dissenters and supporters.
Only backbenchers can vote for the six executive and 12 officers' posts, meaning the estimated 160 MPs on the government payroll — ministers and parliamentary private secretaries — are ineligible.
Given that the majority of the 144 no-confidence voters were backbenchers in the secret poll, the committee could be heavily weighted against Mr Johnson.
If the rebels gain control, they will be able to change the rules “in an afternoon”, which would not rule out a second confidence vote before Parliament's summer recess starts on July 21.
There is a suggestion that an acceptable compromise would be that the second poll would require 25 per cent of the parliamentary party, or 90 MPs, to write letters triggering a vote.
That prospect is causing considerable concern among Mr Johnson’s loyalists. Nadine Dorries, the outspoken Culture Secretary, has gone as far as suggesting the whip should be removed from those MPs who want to change the rules.
It is understood there are three groups of MPs running for the executive: pro-Johnson followers, people who are anti-Johnson but oppose a rule change, and those gunning for another confidence vote.
The second category is concerned that the change would make it difficult for any future prime minister to govern under the looming threat of regular no-confidence votes.
But with the apparent dissembling by Downing Street over the Chris Pincher affair and growing discontent over Mr Johnson’s leadership, that could well happen, particularly if Steve Baker, the well-organised and articulate anti-Johnson candidate, is elected.
“Mr Baker’s election to the committee should be a cause for deep unease in No 10,” said one MP. “He knows how to organise and how to get the numbers.”
With summer recess eight days after the vote, it is not expected that a rule-change will happen until the autumn, probably after the privileges committee reports on whether Mr Johnson misled the Commons over the partygate scandal.
That could take place around December and even then, it is not guaranteed Mr Johnson would be unseated.
“In terms of getting rid of a party leader, you have to have a fairly clear idea of who should be installed in his place,” a former minister told The National.
“At the moment is there is no clear alternative to Boris. No one has that sufficient critical mass of support to be confident that they could win. That’s why the efforts to get rid of him so far have proved a failure.”
What would the new rule book look like?
Various possibilities have been floated, including reducing the safety net from 12 to six months, which could mean a vote in early December.
Others reportedly want the issue of Mr Johnson’s future decided before the Commons break for recess.
One compromise suggested is that a second confidence vote could be held if 25 per cent of Tories in the Commons — 90 MPs — submit letters to the 1922 leadership.
What does the executive say?
As a growing number of Conservative MPs turned on Mr Johnson, one major intervention during Prime Minister’s Questions came from Gary Sambrook.
The 1922 executive member blasted Mr Johnson for his handling of the Chris Pincher fiasco, suggesting there is “nothing left for him to do other than to take responsibility and resign”.
One committee source said suggestions that the rule change could be made on Wednesday were being spread by the “anti-Boris lot”.
Will the PM go quietly?
Mr Johnson would stay and fight any fresh confidence vote, his press secretary said, though she described last month’s ballot as “clear and decisive”.
She also said the prime minister is confident he retains the support of his backbenchers.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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The specs
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Torque: 600Nm at 2,500rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Kerb weight: 1580kg
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if you go
The flights
Fly direct to Kutaisi with Flydubai from Dh925 return, including taxes. The flight takes 3.5 hours. From there, Svaneti is a four-hour drive. The driving time from Tbilisi is eight hours.
The trip
The cost of the Svaneti trip is US$2,000 (Dh7,345) for 10 days, including food, guiding, accommodation and transfers from and to Tbilisi or Kutaisi. This summer the TCT is also offering a 5-day hike in Armenia for $1,200 (Dh4,407) per person. For further information, visit www.transcaucasiantrail.org/en/hike/
Previous men's records
- 2:01:39: Eliud Kipchoge (KEN) on 16/9/19 in Berlin
- 2:02:57: Dennis Kimetto (KEN) on 28/09/2014 in Berlin
- 2:03:23: Wilson Kipsang (KEN) on 29/09/2013 in Berlin
- 2:03:38: Patrick Makau (KEN) on 25/09/2011 in Berlin
- 2:03:59: Haile Gebreselassie (ETH) on 28/09/2008 in Berlin
- 2:04:26: Haile Gebreselassie (ETH) on 30/09/2007 in Berlin
- 2:04:55: Paul Tergat (KEN) on 28/09/2003 in Berlin
- 2:05:38: Khalid Khannouchi (USA) 14/04/2002 in London
- 2:05:42: Khalid Khannouchi (USA) 24/10/1999 in Chicago
- 2:06:05: Ronaldo da Costa (BRA) 20/09/1998 in Berlin
RESULT
Argentina 0 Croatia 3
Croatia: Rebic (53'), Modric (80'), Rakitic (90' 1)
Dubai Bling season three
Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed
Rating: 1/5
RESULT
Bayern Munich 3 Chelsea 2
Bayern: Rafinha (6'), Muller (12', 27')
Chelsea: Alonso (45' 3), Batshuayi (85')
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
'Champions'
Director: Manuel Calvo
Stars: Yassir Al Saggaf and Fatima Al Banawi
Rating: 2/5
WITHIN%20SAND
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No.6 Collaborations Project
Ed Sheeran (Atlantic)
From Zero
Artist: Linkin Park
Label: Warner Records
Number of tracks: 11
Rating: 4/5
The five pillars of Islam
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
LILO & STITCH
Starring: Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Maia Kealoha, Chris Sanders
Director: Dean Fleischer Camp
Rating: 4.5/5
The specs: 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA
Price, base / as tested Dh150,900 / Dh173,600
Engine 2.0L inline four-cylinder
Transmission Seven-speed automatic
Power 211hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque 350Nm @ 1,200rpm
Fuel economy, combined 6.4L / 100km
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
The five pillars of Islam
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The%20specs
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Eyasses squad
Charlie Preston (captain) – goal shooter/ goalkeeper (Dubai College)
Arushi Holt (vice-captain) – wing defence / centre (Jumeriah English Speaking School)
Olivia Petricola (vice-captain) – centre / wing attack (Dubai English Speaking College)
Isabel Affley – goalkeeper / goal defence (Dubai English Speaking College)
Jemma Eley – goal attack / wing attack (Dubai College)
Alana Farrell-Morton – centre / wing / defence / wing attack (Nord Anglia International School)
Molly Fuller – goal attack / wing attack (Dubai College)
Caitlin Gowdy – goal defence / wing defence (Dubai English Speaking College)
Noorulain Hussain – goal defence / wing defence (Dubai College)
Zahra Hussain-Gillani – goal defence / goalkeeper (British School Al Khubairat)
Claire Janssen – goal shooter / goal attack (Jumeriah English Speaking School)
Eliza Petricola – wing attack / centre (Dubai English Speaking College)
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Hili 2: Unesco World Heritage site
The site is part of the Hili archaeological park in Al Ain. Excavations there have proved the existence of the earliest known agricultural communities in modern-day UAE. Some date to the Bronze Age but Hili 2 is an Iron Age site. The Iron Age witnessed the development of the falaj, a network of channels that funnelled water from natural springs in the area. Wells allowed settlements to be established, but falaj meant they could grow and thrive. Unesco, the UN's cultural body, awarded Al Ain's sites - including Hili 2 - world heritage status in 2011. Now the most recent dig at the site has revealed even more about the skilled people that lived and worked there.
Most sought after workplace benefits in the UAE
- Flexible work arrangements
- Pension support
- Mental well-being assistance
- Insurance coverage for optical, dental, alternative medicine, cancer screening
- Financial well-being incentives
THE SPECS
Engine: 1.5-litre
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Power: 110 horsepower
Torque: 147Nm
Price: From Dh59,700
On sale: now
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
The%20Iron%20Claw
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RESULTS
%3Cp%3E%0D5pm%3A%20Al%20Bateen%20%E2%80%93%20Maiden%20(PA)%20Dh80%2C000%20(Turf)%202%2C200m%0D%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Ma%E2%80%99Aly%20Al%20Shahania%2C%20Bernardo%20Pinheiro%20(jockey)%2C%20Mohamed%20Daggash%20(trainer)%0D%3Cbr%3E5.30pm%3A%20Al%20Khaleej%20%E2%80%93%20Maiden%20(PA)%20Dh80%2C000%20(T)%201%2C400m%0D%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20AF%20Rami%2C%20Tadhg%20O%E2%80%99Shea%2C%20Ernst%20Oertel%0D%3Cbr%3E6pm%3A%20Wathba%20Stallions%20Cup%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(PA)%20Dh70%2C000%20(T)%201%2C400m%0D%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Bant%20Al%20Emarat%2C%20Bernardo%20Pinheiro%2C%20Qaiss%20Aboud%0D%3Cbr%3E6.30pm%3A%20Al%20Nahyan%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(PA)%20Dh80%2C000%20(T)%201%2C600m%0D%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20AF%20Rasam%2C%20Marcelino%20Rodrigues%2C%20Ernst%20Oertel%0D%3Cbr%3E7pm%3A%20Al%20Karamah%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(PA)%20Dh80%2C000%20(T)%201%2C600m%0D%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Zafaranah%2C%20Bernardo%20Pinheiro%2C%20Musabah%20Al%20Muhairi%0D%3Cbr%3E7.30pm%3A%20Al%20Salam%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(TB)%20Dh80%2C000%20(T)%201%2C400m%0D%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Nibras%20Passion%2C%20Tadhg%20O%E2%80%99Shea%2C%20Ismail%20Mohammed%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Tax authority targets shisha levy evasion
The Federal Tax Authority will track shisha imports with electronic markers to protect customers and ensure levies have been paid.
Khalid Ali Al Bustani, director of the tax authority, on Sunday said the move is to "prevent tax evasion and support the authority’s tax collection efforts".
The scheme’s first phase, which came into effect on 1st January, 2019, covers all types of imported and domestically produced and distributed cigarettes. As of May 1, importing any type of cigarettes without the digital marks will be prohibited.
He said the latest phase will see imported and locally produced shisha tobacco tracked by the final quarter of this year.
"The FTA also maintains ongoing communication with concerned companies, to help them adapt their systems to meet our requirements and coordinate between all parties involved," he said.
As with cigarettes, shisha was hit with a 100 per cent tax in October 2017, though manufacturers and cafes absorbed some of the costs to prevent prices doubling.
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
65
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