Who could replace Boris Johnson in the role of prime minister?
Sir Keir Starmer has called for a general election as Labour grew its lead over the Tories during a chaotic week of rebellions in Westminser.
The opposition leader said his party was “ready” for an election as he made a speech after escaping a fine over the “Beergate” row.
“Let’s get on with it,” he said, adding: “If there’s a general election this government will fall.”
Both Sir Keir and Angela Rayner, Labour’s deputy leader, had pledged to resign had they been given fixed-penalty notices.
But Durham Constabulary said there was no case to answer after they were photographed mixing with others during Covid restrictions.
Meanwhile, Boris Johnson is facing mounting calls to leave office straight away after vowing to remain in Downing Street until his successor is chosen.
He said earlier this week he would be stepping down as leader after more than 50 MPs quit government in protest at his leadership, while others withdrew support.
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Beergate v Partygate
Our home affairs editor, Lizzie Dearden, takes a look at the differences between Beergate and Partygate after Sir Keir Starmer evaded a fine for the former:
Starmer says PM should leave ‘straight away’ as issue is over ‘trust and integrity’
Sir Keir Starmer has said the prime minister should leave No 10 “straight away” as the situation with Theresa May was different.
He said Ms May stayed on after a “policy dispute” within the Conservative Party which led to her resignation.
“This prime minister, Boris Johnson, has been brought down on the issue of trust and integrity,” Labour’s leader said.
“I understand why Theresa May stayed on. This prime minister is desperately clinging on; he should go, he should go straight away in my view.”
Starmer puts forward his case for PM in news conference
Sir Keir Starmer’s news conference appeared to turn into an election pitch.
“I won’t get everything right. I’m certainly not perfect. And I will make mistakes along the way,” he said.
“But what you will always get from me is someone who believes honesty and integrity matter. Someone you will work every day for the good of the country. And someone who will not betray the faith that you place in me.”
Watch here:
“Those who break the law shouldnt make the law,’ Starmer says after escaping Beergate fine
Sir Keir Starmer started his press conference at Labour HQ by saying he had always insisted no rules were broken during the Beergate incident in Durham.
“The police have now completed their ivnestigation and found there is no case to answer,” he said.
“People said to me I was taking a risk by saying I would step down if I was fined. It was never about that. For me, it was a matter of principle.”
Sir Keir added: “It shouldn’t be controversial to say those who break the law shouldnt make the law.”
‘Let’s get on’ with general election, Starmer says
As reported by our political correspondent Ashley Cowburn:
‘Integrity matters in politics,’ Rayner says over Beergate decision
Here is Angela Rayner on Durham Police saying there would not be any fines over Beergate:
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Starmer speech after avoiding fine
Sir Keir Starmer has just made a speech after avoiding a fine over Beergate.
Watch here – just skip to around 7.20 mins in:
Boris Johnson rejects calls to step aside
Boris Johnson has rejected calls for him to step aside as prime minister straight away.
His official spokesperson said Mr Johnson was “acting in line with convention” by carrying on in the role for now.
“He remains prime minister until a new party leader is in place and the work of government will continue while that takes place,” they said.
