Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson Returns To UK Amid Rumors He Will Run For Leader

 

Daily Mail: Is Boris about to push the button? Ex-PM 'is locked in talks' over No 10 bid as his former chief of staff Steve Barclay and Brexit guru Lord Frost back rival Rishi Sunak (while Johnson loyalist Nadine Dorries tweets with delight that 'the boss is back') 

* Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has landed at Gatwick Airport after returning from his Caribbean holiday 

* Senior Tories are urging former PM Boris Johnson to meet his estranged Chancellor Rishi Sunak in person 

* It is understood Mr Johnson would be willing to meet Mr Sunak to thrash out a deal to govern together * One Tory source said the 'two greatest talents' of the Conservative Party need to join forces to heal the party 

* Latest figures from Conservative Home put Mr Sunak at 112 backers, Mr Johnson at 54 and Ms Mordaunt at 22 

* It comes as Penny Mordaunt became the first candidate to officially enter the race for the Tory leadership 

Boris Johnson is 'locked in talks' over a No 10 bid as his former chief of staff Steve Barclay and Brexit guru Lord Frost back rival Rishi Sunak, while loyalist Nadine Dorries tweets with delight that 'the boss is back'. 

The former Prime Minister landed back in the UK from his Caribbean holiday just after 10am this morning, leaving Gatwick Airport in a separate car to his wife Carrie and their children as the nation waits for his statement on the race for Number 10, after he said he is 'up for it'. 

His return to the country was welcomed by former secretary of state Nadine Dorries, who said on Twitter: 'The boss is back. 

The man who broke the Brexit deadlock, delivered the first Covid vaccine, supported Ukraine when no one else would. The one person Labour fear the most is Boris Johnson #BringBackBoris.'  

Read more .... 

WNU editor: The party leadership does not want him back. 

Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson Returns To UK Amid Rumors He Will Run For Leader  

Live: Sunak set to enter race, as Johnson returns to UK -- BBC  

Tory leadership live: Rishi Sunak passes threshold of 100 supporters as Lord Frost says party ‘must move on’ from Boris Johnson -- The Guardian  

Johnson returns to UK amid rumors he will run for leader -- AP  

Boris Johnson arrives back in Britain to attempt rapid political comeback, article with gallery -- Reuters  

Johnson arrives back in UK amid leadership race -- DW  

Boris Johnson return would restart Partygate ‘soap opera’, says Raab -- The Guardian

Could Boris Johnson really make a comeback? -- BBC

U.K. Going To The Polls In December

Daily Mail: Boris Johnson WINS bid for his Christmas election as he sees off Labour plot to hand votes to 16-year-olds and EU nationals - now MPs battle over whether poll will happen on December 9 or 12

* The Prime Minister has been demanding MPs agree to a pre-Christmas election to break the Brexit deadlock
* Jeremy Corbyn blocked an attempt to trigger an election for December 12 with a simple motion last night
* But the Labour leader caved in this morning and announced he will now whip MPs to back a snap poll
* Mr Corbyn realised he was being outflanked with PM tabling election Bill with Lib Dem and SNP support
* Arguments are still raging over whether to hold the snap poll on December 12 or earlier on December 9
* Labour failed to push amendments that were intended to extend the vote to 16-year-olds and EU nationals

Boris Johnson Christmas election bid cleared a crucial hurdle tonight as a Labour ambush to hand 16-year-olds and EU nationals the vote failed.

Despite Jeremy Corbyn staging an humiliating U-turn to declare he will support a pre-Christmas poll, Labour pushed amendments that would effectively have wrecked the Bill.

But the changes, which amounted to a thinly-veiled effort to gain more support for the looming contest, were not selected by Deputy Speaker Lindsay Hoyle for consideration by MPs tonight.

And the legislation was then swiftly nodded through its second reading, meaning it has received in principle endorsement.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: It looks like there is going to be an election. We will know in the next few hours.

Update: These Labour back benchers are right .... Labour backbenchers blast Corbynites for chasing a ‘brave new Socialist dawn’ warning that Jeremy Corbyn’s decision to back a pre-Christmas election will spell disaster (Daily Mail).

More News On The U.K. Going To The Polls In December

The Latest: UK bill for early election clears first hurdle -- AP
Brexit: Early election bill likely to clear Commons as amendments extending franchise not selected - live news -- The Guardian
December election plan clears first hurdle -- BBC
UK's opposition Labour party agrees to December election -- France 24
British PM Johnson wins preliminary approval for December election -- Reuters
UK likely to hold rare winter election with Brexit on table -- AP
United Kingdom headed for December election after Jeremy Corbyn backs vote -- ABC News Online
UK Parliament prepares for vote on December election -- DW
UK braces for election as Labour Party backs early vote -- Al Jazeera
December election? UK ponders early, Brexit-dominated vote -- AP
Boris Johnson RESTORES the party whip to 10 former Tory rebels - but the other 11 who were kicked out for backing a bid to block a No Deal Brexit are kept out in the cold -- Daily Mail
Nigel Farage hints the Brexit Party might NOT stand candidates against Tories in every seat at a snap general election - even if Boris Johnson campaigns on a pledge to deliver his divorce deal -- Daily Mail

British P.M. Johnson Will Ask Parliament For A December 12 Election To Break The Brexit Deadlock

Daily Mail: PM throws down the gauntlet to Jeremy Corbyn: Boris Johnson challenges Labour to the polls on December 12 - and vows to hold vote on an election EVERY day if they refuse

* Boris Johnson challenges Jeremy Corbyn to back snap election on December 12
* Mr Johnson said vote on holding election to take place on Monday next week
* If MPs vote for election the PM will give them until November 6 to pass his deal
* Downing Street is threatening a daily Commons vote if Mr Corbyn bottles it
* No 10 source said the Government would go on strike by pulling all legislation
* PM believes his plan will give MPs the chance to 'get Brexit done' if they want to
* It would also protect against unending delay and prolonging Brexit 'nightmare'
* EU is expected to grant the UK a three month extension to January 31

Boris Johnson tonight threw down the gauntlet to Jeremy Corbyn as he challenged the Labour leader to back his bid for a general election on December 12 and vowed to hold a vote every day if they refuse.

Mr Johnson will hold a vote in the House of Commons on Monday on triggering a snap poll after telling Mr Corbyn the Brexit 'nightmare' cannot be allowed to continue.

But as Mr Corbyn refused to commit, Downing Street threatened to stage daily Commons votes on a snap election until he concedes, saying it would not let him 'hold the country hostage'.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Parliament is split on the issue of Brexit. A general election will resolve it, but it will probably not happen. All the polls show a substantial lead for the Conservatives if Brexit is the issue, and I am sure the oppositoin is aware of that.

More News On U.K. Prime Minister Johnson Asking Parliament For A December 12 Election To Break The Current Brexit Deadlock

The Latest: Main opposition party undecided on new election -- AP
Brexit: Boris Johnson to try for 12 December election -- BBC
British PM Johnson calls for general election on December 12 -- France 24
UK’s Johnson seeks Dec. 12 election to break Brexit impasse -- AP
British PM Johnson calls for December 12 election to break Brexit deadlock -- Reuters
Brexit: Johnson to ask Parliament to hold general election in December -- DW
Boris Johnson to make third attempt for snap UK election to end Brexit gridlock -- ABC News Online
Boris Johnson in new push for a UK snap election -- Al Jazeera
UK PM Johnson says he wants early election on December 12 -- RT
Back an election and we can still ratify a Brexit deal, UK PM Johnson tells Labour -- Reuters
UK parliament will have chance to vote on Monday for early election -- Reuters

Factbox: How does UK PM Johnson call an early election? -- Reuters

U.K. Polls: Boris Johnson Will Easily Win The Next Electon

Daily Mail: Tories surge to 15-POINT lead over Jeremy Corbyn's Labour in the polls as Leave voters return to the Tories to back Boris Johnson's Brexit plan

* The Conservatives are on 38 per cent, up two per cent, after a surge in support
* Six in ten Brexiteers now back Mr Johnson's Party, the most since 2017 election
* Labour dropped one per cent to 23 per cent, but has picked up Remainers

Boris Johnson's new Brexit deal has seen the Tories leap further ahead of Labour as the day of departure looms ever closer, a new poll shows.

The Conservatives are on 38 per cent, up two per cent, after a surge in support among Leave voters.

Six in ten Brexiteers are now backing Mr Johnson's Party, the highest level since the 2017 election.

Labour in contrast dropped one per cent to 23 per cent, but has picked up Remain votes according to the poll by Opinium for the Observer.

The Lib Dems saw the largest fall, dropping five per cent from 20 per cent to 15 per cent, including losing seven per cent of Remainers.

Read more ....

Update: Poll shows Conservative party 15 points ahead of Labour (The Guardian).

WNU Editor: If Nigel Farage/Brexit Party should decide to back Boris Johnson in the next election on the issue of Brexit,  the Labour Party and The Liberal Democrats will be completely routed. My prediction. The current parliament will use their parliamentary majority to block any election call, while delaying Brexit. But as this blog has mentioned more than once in the past month, the longer that the Labour Party and the Liberal Democrats postpone an election, they will continue to bleed support. Bottom line. Brexit is going to happen, but only after the next election.

U.K. Parliament Reopens As Brexit Chaos Deepens

Daily Mail: 'Stand aside or face the day of reckoning': Furious Boris Johnson dares Jeremy Corbyn to bring a vote of no confidence and accuses baying MPs and 'blocking' judges of 'paralysing' the UK in explosive Commons showdown

* Boris Johnson has confronted MPs in wake of bombshell Supreme Court ruling
* The PM demanded an election after Parliament suspension was declared illegal
* He said Westminster was 'paralysed' and the Opposition were 'scared' of voters
* Mr Johnson said Supreme Court 'wrong' to have pronounced on political issue
* Mr Corbyn said the PM should have done the 'honourable thing and resigned'
* MPs have come back to Westminster plotting to sabotage his Brexit strategy

Boris Johnson stormed at Remainer MPs for 'paralysing' the country tonight as he dared Jeremy Corbyn to call a no-confidence vote and face him in an election.

A furious Prime Minister confronted critics in the House of Commons this evening in the wake of the bombshell Supreme Court judgement over his illegal prorogation.

But Mr Johnson delivered a defiant tirade at those who are trying to stop him making good on his 'do or die' vow to leave the EU by Halloween.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Today's opening of the U.K. Parliament shows how dysfunctional it has become. The only solution now is an election, but with every poll indicating a massive Boris Johnson victory if one should be called, the opposition is not going to call it. My prediction. The opposition strategy is to now delay and hope that something will come up that will damage Boris Johnson's standing with his supporters. I wish them luck, because it is the opposition that is losing a lot of their old time supporters with policies like this one .... Labour members back proposal to give all immigrants voting rights (The Guardian).

More News On The Opening Of The U.K. Parliament

Defiant Johnson faces MPs and rejects court ruling: Live -- BBC
Brexit: defiant Boris Johnson challenges Labour to table vote of no confidence – live news -- The Guardian
Parliament suspension: Angry Commons exchanges as MPs return to work -- BBC
Furious lawmakers spar with government after suspension -- AP
'Parliament is dead,' PM Johnson's lawyer says as Brexit chaos deepens -- Reuters
British Parliament reopens to anger, discord toward Johnson -- UPI
UK Parliament resumes after Boris Johnson's prorogue ruled unlawful -- ABC News Online
Remainers are plotting to force Boris Johnson to go to Brussels to beg for a Brexit delay BEFORE a crunch EU summit next month because they fear he will 'refuse to obey the law' and risk a No Deal Brexit -- Daily Mail
Blow for Boris Johnson as voters back the Supreme Court saying it was RIGHT to defeat him over his Parliamentary shut down - but they still want politicians to stop talking and deliver Brexit -- Daily Mail

British Opposition Parties Will Block PM Johnson's Second Bid To Call An Early Election

Reuters: Opposition to block British PM Johnson's early election bid

LONDON (Reuters) - British opposition parties said on Friday that they would block Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s second bid to call an early general election in mid-October, setting up a showdown with the government over delaying Brexit.

Brexit remains up in the air more than three years after Britons voted to leave the EU in a 2016 referendum. Options range from a turbulent no-deal exit to abandoning the whole endeavour.

Johnson says he wants to take Britain out of the EU on Oct. 31 with or without a deal with the bloc. But he lost his parliamentary majority this week and expelled 21 lawmakers from his ruling Conservative Party’s group in parliament after they supported an opposition plan to try to bloc a no-deal exit.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: This is why I like the Canadian parliamentary system. When the government loses confidence from the Parliament, an election is called. In the U.K. .... not so clear. The net result is the U.K. government is now in limbo, and if this continues I do not think the electorate is going to be forgiving. Brexit is an issue that clearly needs to be resolved by the electorate, but the opposition has a different idea.

Britain's Labour Party Will Not Back A Snap Election On The Issue Of Brexit

Daily Mail: Furious Boris Johnson calls Jeremy Corbyn a 'chicken' for BLOCKING an election and brands Labour's economic policy 's**t' in foul-mouthed taunt at PMQs as Remainers plot to delay Brexit and stop No Deal in today's Commons showdown

* At PMQs Boris Johnson branded the Labour leader a 'chlorinated chicken' and said he 'used to be a democrat'
* The premier turned the air blue in the chamber by swiping that Labour's economic policy is 'sh** or bust'
* Mr Johnson has called for general election to be held on October 15 so the 'people can decide' over Brexit
* The premier's plan must be backed by two-thirds of MPs, but Jeremy Corbyn has refused to back a ballot
* Boris Johnson last night lost a massive Commons showdown as Remainer MPs try to block a No Deal Brexit
* Some 21 Tory MPs joined the revolt to inflict a stinging defeat on the government by 328 votes to just 301

Boris Johnson blasted 'dithering' Jeremy Corbyn for plotting a 'surrender' to the EU today as the Labour leader prepares to block his demand for a snap election.

Taking his first PMQs, a furious Mr Johnson branded Mr Corbyn a 'chlorinated chicken' for refusing to agree to a poll on October 15 and said he 'used to be a democrat'.

Channelling Margaret Thatcher's famous taunt to opponents, Mr Johnson said: 'Is he frit?'

At one point the premier also turned the air blue in the chamber by claiming the Opposition's economic strategy was 'sh** or bust'.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: If the opposition were confident that they had the support of the people, they would be voting for an election right now. They are not, which tells me that they believe in the recent polls that indicate that the Conservatives would win a massive majority if an election was called with Brexit being the issue.

More News On Britain's Labour Party WSaying that They Will Not Back A Snap Election On The Issue Of Brexit

Brexit: Sajid Javid unveils spending review as government reels from defeat in vote – live news -- The Guardian
Boris Johnson faces Parliament — live updates -- DW
LIVE: Johnson seeks elections as MPs try to block no-deal Brexit -- France 24
Brexit: All the latest updates -- Al Jazeera
Boris Johnson demands election after Brexit defeat: Live Updates -- CNN
Brexit: PM in new battle after Commons vote defeat -- BBC
Keir Starmer: Labour will not back snap election -- The Guardian
British PM Johnson demands October 15 election after defeat over Brexit -- Reuters
Defiant UK lawmakers move to bar ‘no deal’ Brexit -- AP
Boris Johnson vows to seek election after parliamentary defeat by Brexit rebels -- ABC News Online

British PM Boris Johnson Says He Will Now Move A Motion To Allow A Snap British Election

Daily Mail: Boris Johnson calls for SNAP ELECTION after Remainer MPs WIN vote to seize control of Commons by 328 to 301 - but Jeremy Corbyn says law to stop No Deal must be passed BEFORE a poll

* Boris Johnson has lost a massive Commons showdown tonight as Remainer MPs try to block No Deal
* Some 21 Tory MPs joined the revolt to inflict a stinging defeat on the government by 328 votes to just 301
* Mr Johnson warned he will never ask the EU for an extension beyond the current Brexit deadline of October 31
* He is expected to table a motion calling an election for October 15 if the government loses the battle
* Needs two-thirds of MPs for snap poll but Jeremy Corbyn has repeatedly dodged saying if he will back one
* Pro-EU ex-ministers Justine Greening and Alistair Burt have announced they will stand down at the election
* Another Remainer former minister Phillip Lee has defected to the Lib Dems wiping out the PM's tiny majority

A furious Boris Johnson called for a snap election tonight after he Remainers seized control of Parliament to rule out No Deal Brexit.

The Prime Minister humiliatingly lost a crunch vote that gives a rebel alliance control of Commons business - with the aim of passing a law to stop the UK crashing out at the end of October.

The victory for pro-EU MPs - by a huge margin of 328 to 301 - came despite Mr Johnson threatening to end the careers of Tories who joined the revolt by deselecting them.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: If an election is called it will need the support of two thirds of the parliament, but the Labour Party has made it clear that they will not support an election unless a no-deal Brexit is ruled out. From where I an standing there is a very real possibility that this election call may be defeated, thereby putting the government in limbo, or replacing it with a coalition that will be run by Jeremy Corbyn or some other party. Another reason why I believe this election call may be defeated are the polls. Recent polls indicate that the Conservative Party under Boris Johnson will easily win a majority if Brexit is on the ballot. If true, no election. But if the opposition believe that these polls are not right, then an election it will be. Bottom line .... we are going to know in the next 24 hours where all of this is headed.

One final note. Any politician or government who goes against the will of the people will always receive blow-back in the end. For the 53% who voted for Brexit and for those who voted for these former Tory MPs who crossed the aisle today, there must be a great deal of disappointment and anger among many of them tonight.  And here is an easy prediction. Many of them are going to feel motivated to vote in the next election, and it is not hard to figure out where their vote is going to go .... whether it is this October, or next year which some in the anti-Brexit coalition are now voicing.

More News On British PM Boris Johnson Saying He Will Now Move A Motion To Allow A Snap British Election

Live Brexit: Johnson loses first key vote -- BBC
Brexit: Boris Johnson to table motion for general election – live news -- The Guardian
Boris Johnson faces parliamentary rebellion over no-deal Brexit, live blog -- ABC News Online
Major defeat for British PM as lawmakers seize Brexit agenda -- AP
Opponents of 'no-deal' Brexit defeat PM Johnson, who promises an election -- Reuters
British MPs defeat Boris Johnson on Brexit, election looms -- France 24
Brexit: Boris Johnson defeated as MPs take control -- BBC
UK lawmakers vote to support plan to stop no-deal Brexit -- DW
Brexit vote sees opponents of no-deal EU exit defeat British PM Boris Johnson -- ABC News Online

Brexit Showdown In The U.K. Parliament -- News Updates September 3, 2019

Daily Mail: Speaker John Bercow tees up huge Brexit showdown by GRANTING Remainer bid for emergency debate that could see them seize control of House of Commons business to rule out No Deal

* Boris Johnson is facing a massive Commons showdown tonight as Remainer MPs try to block No Deal
* Rebel efforts clear first hurdle after Speaker John Bercow says he will allow emergency motion to be heard
* Philip Hammond condemned PM's 'aggressive' threats and promises 'fight of a lifetime' against deselection
* Mr Johnson warned he will never ask the EU for an extension beyond the current Brexit deadline of October 31
* He is expected to table a motion calling an election for October 14 if the government loses the battle
* Pro-EU ex-ministers Justine Greening and Alistair Burt have announced they will stand down at the election
* Another Remainer former minister Phillip Lee has defected to the Lib Dems wiping out the PM's tiny majority
* Amber Rudd, the Work and Pensions secretary, urged Mr Johnson not to kick out MPs who try to stop No Deal

Speaker John Bercow teed up a huge Brexit showdown today by granting a Remainer bid for an emergency debate that could see them rule out No Deal.

Mr Bercow said he would allow Tory rebel Oliver Letwin to push a business motion seizing control of the agenda in the House - despite complaints from Eurosceptics that it flouts procedures.

Some MPs including Peter Bone shouted 'NO!' when the Speaker asked if the House wanted to hear the debate, but more than 40 members stood up in support - meeting the threshold for continuing.

Read more ....

Brexit Showdown In The U.K. Parliament -- News Updates September 3, 2019

Brexit: Tory MP defects as Johnson confronts rebels ahead of key Commons vote – live news -- The Guardian
UK Parliament showdown on Brexit — live updates -- DW
Brexit: Tory MP defects ahead of crucial no-deal vote -- BBC
UK’s Johnson weakened by party defections over Brexit -- AP
Remainer ex-minister Phillip Lee humiliatingly WIPES OUT Boris Johnson's majority by crossing the floor to join Lib Dems as PM delivers Commons statement ahead of huge Brexit showdown -- Daily Mail
British PM Johnson loses working majority as MP defects to Liberal Democrats -- France 24
Brexit showdown: British lawmakers bid to block PM leaving EU with no deal -- Reuters
BoJo’s government majority destroyed as Tory MP defects to Lib Dems -- RT
UK public must decide next steps if parliament votes against Johnson: PM's spokesman -- Reuters
EU wants to see if lawmakers will block Brexit before striking new deal: UK's Johnson -- Reuters

Shock Polls Show U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson And The Conservatives Would Win A Majority If A Snap Election Was Called Today

Daily Mail: You're too scared of an election to bring down Boris Johnson next week, Jacob Rees-Mogg tells Remainer rabble - as poll shows Tories would win a 24 seat majority over 'unpopular' Jeremy Corbyn

* Mail on Sunday poll says Prime Minster would win majority of 28 seats in Election
* Jacob Rees-Mogg says MPs too frightened to call vote of no confidence in PM
* Plotters including Philip Hammond hope to seize control of Commons agenda
* But Mr Rees-Mogg has described such 'politicking' as being 'unconstitutional'

The Minister at the centre of Boris Johnson's shock move to suspend Parliament today dares his opponents to bring down the Government – then watch the Prime Minister sweep to a thumping Election victory.

Jacob Rees-Mogg accuses 'deceitful' and 'underhand' MPs planning a last-ditch Commons move to block No Deal Brexit of being too frightened to call a vote of no confidence in Mr Johnson because it would lead to a crushing defeat of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn in a snap poll.

Mr Rees-Mogg, who went to Balmoral to gain the Queen's approval for the dramatic suspension last week, lays down the gauntlet as an exclusive Mail on Sunday poll predicts Mr Johnson would win a majority of 28 seats in an Election – rising to 84 if Nigel Farage's Brexit Party stands aside.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: The international and U.K. media were overwhelmingly focused on today's nationwide protests against Boris Johnson's plan to suspend parliament. But it looks like they are missing (or avoiding) an even bigger story which is that new polls are showing a massive increase in popular support for Boris Johnson and the conservatives after they had made their announcement that they were going to prorogue Parliament. Bottom line. If these polls are accurate, it is going to kill any rebellion in the Tory ranks against Boris Johnson, and make it even more likely for a hard Brexit to happen on October 31.

Former MI6 Chief: U.K. Going Through 'Political Nervous Breakdown'

BBC: Former MI6 head: UK in 'political nervous breakdown'

The UK is going through a "political nervous breakdown", a former intelligence chief has told the BBC.

Sir John Sawers said the UK could have a prime minister who does "not have the standing that we have become used to in our top leadership" - a criticism of the two Tory leadership contenders.

The former MI6 boss was also critical of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

Boris Johnson ally Iain Duncan Smith countered Sir John's remarks, saying "democracy may well frighten him".

Sir John's intervention comes as Jeremy Hunt and Mr Johnson battle it out to be the next leader of the Conservative Party.

Read more ....

More News On Former MI6 Chief Sir John Sawers' Remarks On The U.K. Going Through A 'Political Nervous Breakdown'

Ex-MI6 chief: UK going through 'political nervous breakdown' -- The Guardian
Brexit: UK plunged into a 'political nervous breakdown', says former MI6 chief -- The Independent
Former spy boss says Britain having political nervous breakdown -- Reuters
Former British spy chief blasts ‘political nervous breakdown’ over Brexit, Tories scoff -- RT

U.K Tory Leadership Contest Down To Boris Johnson And Jeremy Hunt

BBC: Tory leadership: Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt are final two

Jeremy Hunt has promised Boris Johnson "the fight of his life" as the two compete to become the next Conservative leader and PM.

Mr Johnson said he was "honoured" to get the backing of 160 MPs in the final ballot of the party's MPs - more than half of the total.

Mr Hunt got 77 votes - two more votes than the next candidate Michael Gove.

Mr Johnson and Mr Hunt now face a vote involving up to 160,000 Tory members, with a result due by late July.

All 313 Conservative MPs took part in the final ballot in the House of Commons, with one paper spoilt.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Boris Johnson is well positioned to win the Tory leadership contest, and the next Prime Minister of Great Britain.

More News On The U.K Tory Leadership Contest

The Latest: Boris Johnson, Jeremy Hunt in UK leader runoff -- AP
Tory leadership: Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt are final two -- BBC
Tory leadership: Jeremy Hunt to face Boris Johnson after Michael Gove eliminated – as it happened -- The Guardian
Boris Johnson, Jeremy Hunt in runoff for UK prime minister -- AP
Conservatives Johnson and Hunt in runoff to become Britain's next PM -- France 24
Tory leadership contest down to Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt following latest vote -- ABC News Online
UK prime minister race narrows to Boris Johnson, Jeremy Hunt -- DW
Hunt to face Johnson amid rumours of tactical voting in Tory leadership race -- The Guardian
Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt final two in race for Tory leadership as Gove knocked out -- RT
Factbox: The two Conservatives fighting to be next UK PM -- Reuters

Boris Johnson Wins First Round Of Vote To Succeed U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May

Reuters: Brexit supporter Johnson far ahead in contest to replace British PM

LONDON (Reuters) - Boris Johnson, who has pledged to deliver Brexit on Oct. 31, surged closer to power on Thursday, winning by far the most support from Conservative lawmakers in the first round of the contest to replace Prime Minister Theresa May.

Three years since voting 52%-48% to leave the European Union, the United Kingdom is heading toward a possible crisis over Brexit as most of the candidates vying to succeed May are prepared to leave on Oct. 31 without a deal.

While parliament has indicated it will try to stop a no-deal Brexit, which investors warn would hurt financial markets and the world economy, some of those running say it may be the only way for Britain to leave the bloc without further delay.

Johnson, the face of the official campaign to leave the European Union in the 2016 referendum, won the support of 114 Conservative lawmakers in the first round of the contest to replace May. A total of 313 lawmakers voted.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: It looks like he will be the next British Prime Minister.

More News On Boris Johnson Winning The First Round Of Votes To Succeed U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May

The Latest: Boris Johnson leads UK Conservative leader race -- AP
Boris Johnson tops first ballot in Tory leadership contest -- BBC
Trump-backed Boris Johnson cruises through first round of vote to succeed Theresa May -- FOX News
Boris Johnson takes hefty lead in UK leadership race -- DW
UK: Johnson in pole position after first round of leadership vote -- Al Jazeera
Boris Johnson probed on reported cocaine use as he kicks off bid to be British prime minister -- ABC News Online
Who are the UK Tories in the race to be prime minister? -- AP

U.K.'s Theresa May On Track For The Worst General Election Result In Tory Party History

The new data, from Opinium, predicts the Brexit Party will earn more votes than the Labour Party and the Tories combined in the European elections

The same poll also found that 28% of voters would back Jeremy Corbyn's party in a General Election, ahead of Theresa May's Conservatives on 22% - with the Brexit Party in third with 21%

Daily Mail: Theresa May on track for the worst General Election result in Tory Party history - as Brexit Party is predicted to win more votes than Labour and Conservatives COMBINED in European elections, polls say

* The Brexit Party is slated to win 34% of the vote in upcoming European elections
* Labour is on 21% and the Tories are predicted to win just 11% of the vote
* The data, from Opinium, also puts Labour first on 28% for a General Election
* This is ahead of Conservatives on 22%, with the Brexit Party third on 21%
* A separate poll puts the Brexit Party ahead of the Tories in a general election
* ComRes survey puts Labour on 27%, Brexit Party on 20% and Tories on 19%
* This would be the worst result in history for the Conservative Party

The Brexit Party will earn more votes than Labour and the Conservatives combined in the European Parliament elections, and could even beat the Tories in a General election, two extraordinary polls revealed this morning.

In an Opinium poll in the Observer, focused on this month's European elections, Nigel Farage's new party is predicted to hoover up 34 per cent of the vote. The same poll gave Labour 21 per cent and put the Tories in a miserable fourth place with 11 per cent

But an even more extraordinary poll, commissioned by a Brexit Party donor and published in the Sunday Telegraph, said for the first time the Brexit Party would beat the Tories in a General Election.

The ComRes survey of voting intentions put Brexit on 21 per cent to the Conservatives' 20, which would see Farage's team win 49 seats, becoming the UK's second biggest party after Labour, with 137.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: A memo to all current and future politicians. This is what happens when you rule against the will of the people.

British Prime Minister Theresa May Fires Defense Secretary Gavin Williamson Over Huawei's Leaks

Daily Mail: The 11 minute 'smoking gun' phone call: Gavin Williamson admits he spoke to journalist after security council meeting but denies he spoke about Huawei and swears 'on my children's lives that I'm innocent'

* The PM sacked Gavin Williamson as Defence Secretary following a leak of secret information last week
* Is alleged he revealed National Security Council discussions about Huawei's involvement in UK's 5G network
* He has 'strenuously' denied being involved in the leak, despite claims of 'compelling evidence' against him
* Speaking to the Daily Mail, he said it was a 'shame she didn't recognise' how he had kept her as the PM in past
* Williamson also suggests that Mrs May's investigator Sir Mark Sedwill was settling a vendetta against him
* Growing calls were made for him to face police action, including from Labour deputy leader Tom Watson

Theresa May sacked Gavin Williamson over the Huawei leak after his 11-minute call to a journalist was uncovered by her civil service enforcer, it was revealed today.

Sir Mark Sedwill pored over the Defence Secretary's phone records and found he had spoken to Daily Telegraph reporter Steven Swinford on the day of National Security Council discussions about Huawei's potential access to the UK's 5G network.

Mrs May fired him last night claiming there was 'compelling evidence' he was responsible for the leak - but Mr Williamson claims he spoke to Swinford about the Tory leadership and Brexit and said the PM had 'just sacked someone who is not guilty', adding: 'I swear on my children's lives that I'm innocent.'

Mr Williamson said he had been 'completely and utterly screwed' and implied his sacking was down to Sir Mark settling a vendetta against him.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: The former defense secretary is saying that he is innocent .... Gavin Williamson : 'I never have leaked anything from the NSC' (BBC). This is the new defense secretary .... Reporting for duty: UK's first female Defence Secretary and Royal Navy reservist Penny Mordaunt says she is looking forward to 'working with some amazing people' as she starts her first day (Daily Mail).

More News On The Firing Of Defense Secretary Gavin Williamson Over Huawei's Leaks

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson sacked over Huawei leak -- BBC
UK defense chief fired over Huawei leaks, denies involvement -- AP
UK's May fires defense secretary over Huawei leak -- Reuters
UK defense chief ousted over Huawei leak -- The Hill
UK Defense Secretary fired over 'unauthorized disclosure of information' -- CGTN
Was 11-minute phonecall to journalist the evidence that damned Williamson? Sacked Defence Secretary ADMITS he spoke to reporter but denies secrets were revealed -- Daily Mail
Britain’s defense secretary was just fired over Huawei. Here’s what’s going on. -- Washington Post

When Will U.K Prime Minister Theresa May Resign?

Theresa May could be forced to step down as early as 2 May 2019 if the Conservatives suffer poor results in local elections. Photograph: Gonzalo Fuentes/Reuters

The Guardian: When could Theresa May resign? A timeline of possible dates

The next few months present a gauntlet of hurdles at which the PM could finally fall

Theresa May has agreed to step down as prime minister before the next election and said she would resign sooner if MPs backed her withdrawal agreement. This has prompted cabinet members to begin jockeying for position to replace her. But the race will not start for real until May formally quits, and she is keeping everyone guessing on when that will be.

The next few weeks and months present a number of hurdles where she could finally fall.

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WNU Editor: This is one of those cases where I have to see it to believe it.

U.K. Labor Party Faces A Revolt With The Resignation Of Seven MPs

BBC: Seven MPs leave Labour Party in protest at Jeremy Corbyn's leadership

Seven MPs have resigned from the Labour Party in protest at Jeremy Corbyn's approach to Brexit and anti-Semitism.

They are: Chuka Umunna, Luciana Berger, Chris Leslie, Angela Smith, Mike Gapes, Gavin Shuker and Ann Coffey.

Ms Berger said Labour had become institutionally anti-Semitic and she was "embarrassed and ashamed" to stay.

Mr Corbyn said he was "disappointed" the MPs had felt unable to continue working for the policies that "inspired millions" at the 2017 election.

Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell said the "honourable thing for them to do" would be to stand down as MPs and seek to return to Parliament in by-elections.

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WNU Editor: They are not going to be the last to leave the party .... The first step for Labour's exiles: bring 29 more with them (The Guardian).

More News On Seven MPs Resigning From The U.K. Labor Party

So who will be next to join the Independent Group? Senior Tory REFUSES to rule out joining 'gang of seven' MPs who have quit 'anti-Semitic' Labour - as even Corbyn's own DEPUTY says he doesn't recognise the party anymore -- Daily Mail
Seven UK lawmakers resign from Labour party citing 'Brexit,' 'bullying' and 'anti-Semitism' -- CNBC
Seven lawmakers quit UK Labour Party citing Brexit 'betrayal', anti-Semitism -- Reuters
Brexit fractures Britain's 'hijacked' opposition party -- Euronews/AP/NBC
Seven members of UK Labour Party quit over Brexit, anti-Semitism concerns -- The Hill

U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May Survives No Confidence Vote

Daily Mail: Nothing sticks on Theresa as she wins no confidence vote: PM defeats coup attempt by 200 to 117 - keeping her safe from her own MPs for a year - after vowing she will QUIT before next election

* Eurosceptic Tory MPs have succeeded in forcing a no-confidence vote in the PM amid fury at her Brexit deal
* Chair of the Tory 1922 committee Sir Graham Brady confirmed the 48 letters needed have been received
* That has automatically triggered a formal vote of no confidence in her leadership among Conservative MPs
* The dramatic secret ballot is being held between 6pm and 8pm tonight with the result announced soon after
* Mrs May delivered an emotional final plea to MPs admitting she cannot fight the next general election
* If she wins by one vote she is immune from challenge for 12 months but narrow victory could still be fatal
* If Mrs May loses she will stay on as Prime Minister while another Conservative Party leader is chosen
* The PM has vowed to fight the challenge with 'everything I've got' and warned Brexit could be delayed
* Cabinet ministers have rallied behind her warning 'chaos' will ensue if the party kicks her out at this point

Theresa May dramatically survived a Brexiteer coup bid tonight after leaving MPs in tears with a last-ditch plea to save her political skin.

The Prime Minister was backed by a margin of 200 to 117 in a no-confidence ballot, staving off what would have been an ignominious end to her time as leader - and meaning she cannot be challenged by her own party again for 12 months.

There were cheers as 1922 committee chairman Sir Graham Brady announced the result in the Commons tonight.

But with more than a third of Conservative MPs refusing to support her and a civil war raging over Brexit, the outcome still underlines the scale of the problems she faces.

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WNU editor: She is hailing this as a victor, but it is not. Over a third of the MPs want her gone, and for those who voted for her, I am sure a good number of them did so on her promise that she will not run in the next election .... May signals she will step down before 2022 election (The Guardian).

More News On U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May Surviving Today's Confidence Vote

Theresa May survives confidence vote with a majority of 83 – Politics live -- The Guardian
LIVE: Theresa May makes pledge to critics after winning confidence vote -- SKY News
Theresa May survives confidence vote of Tory MPs -- BBC
UK’s May wins party no-confidence vote, but troubles remain -- AP
British PM May survives party confidence vote but 117 dissent -- Reuters
Brexit: Theresa May wins Conservative Party confidence vote -- DW
Theresa May, British Prime Minister, survives no-confidence vote amid Brexit crisis -- ABC News Online
British PM Theresa May survives vote of confidence -- Al Jazeera

UK Prime Minister Theresa May Facing No Confidence Vote

Daily Mail: Four hours to save her job: May tries to quell revolt by hinting she WON'T lead Tories into next election after Brexit - amid claims a majority of MPs WILL back her in tonight's no confidence vote

* Eurosceptic Tory MPs have succeeded in forcing a no-confidence vote in the PM amid fury at her Brexit deal
* Chair of the Tory 1922 committee Sir Graham Brady has confirmed the 48 letters needed have been received
* That has automatically triggered a formal vote of no confidence in her leadership among Conservative MPs
* The dramatic secret ballot will be held between 6pm and 8pm tonight with the result announced soon after
* If she wins by one vote she is immune from challenge for 12 months but narrow victory could still be fatal
* If Mrs May loses she will stay on as Prime Minister while another Conservative Party leader is chosen
* The PM has vowed to fight the challenge with 'everything I've got' and warned Brexit could be delayed
* Cabinet ministers have rallied behind her warning 'chaos' will ensue if the party kicks her out at this point

Theresa May tried to quell the Tory revolt today by delivering a broad hint that she won't be in charge at the next general election.

Acknowledging widespread unhappiness among MPs, the Prime Minister insisted the no confidence vote tonight is 'not about who leads the party into the next election'.

The signal from Mrs May that she is ready to step down once Brexit is delivered came after she vowed to fight with 'everything I've got' to beat the Eurosceptic coup bid.

The contest is being held after hardliners secured the 48 letters from Conservative MPs needed to force a ballot that could bring her time as leader to a shambolic end.

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WNU Editor: UK Prime Minister May has lost the support of a significant part of her party. In such a situation a leader/party must submit to a leadership contest. But it looks like she is going to stick it out. And while a majority will probably vote in favor of her continuing her leadership, she has been wounded politically.

More News On UK Prime Minister Theresa May Facing A No Confidence Vote

May could offer to stand down before election to win support in confidence vote – politics live -- The Guardian
Theresa May to face vote of no confidence from Tory MPs -- BBC
UK disarray: May to face no-confidence vote from her party -- AP
UK leader May fights leadership revolt, warns Brexit in peril -- Reuters
Brexit: Conservative lawmakers trigger no confidence vote in UK PM Theresa May’s leadership -- SCMP/AFP
Brexit: Conservative MPs trigger Theresa May no-confidence vote -- DW
UK leader Theresa May to face no-confidence vote over Brexit pains -- ABC News Online
No-confidence vote could oust Theresa May as British PM -- UPI
Theresa May's Conservative Party triggers no-confidence vote in British Prime Minister -- ABC News Online
British PM May to face no-confidence vote -- Al Jazeera
Explainer: How will the leadership challenge to UK's May work? -- Reuters
As May faces leadership vote, a look at what happens next -- AP
The battle to seize the Tory crown: How the runners and riders line up in race to succeed May if she loses tonight's vote - with Dominic Raab the bookies' favourite -- Daily Mail

U.K. Labour Leader Corbyn Denies He Was A Spy For Communist Czechoslovakia

Daily Mail: Jeremy Corbyn brands storm over his meetings with a Soviet-backed spy 'nonsense' and refuses to answer Theresa May's demand he authorise the release of any Stasi files on him

* May today said every MP had to be 'accountable' for the actions in their career
* Intervention came after Czech ex-spy Jan Sarkocy made lurid new allegations
* Labour figures pocketed between £1,000 and £10,000 a meeting, Sarkocy said

Jeremy Corbyn dismissed a storm over his meetings with a Soviet-backed spy 30 years ago as 'nonsense' today.

The Labour leader denied he was himself a spy in heated exchanges at a manufacturing conference that saw journalists booed for raising questions.

Mr Corbyn refused to directly answer a question about Theresa May's demand for him to authorise the release of any Stasi files held on him.

The Prime Minister yesterday demanded Mr Corbyn be 'open and transparent' about his past as a week-long scandal continued to grow.

Read more ....

More News On U.K. Labour Leader Corbyn's Denying He Was A Spy For Communist Czechoslovakia

UK Labour Chief Says Communist Spy Claims 'Ridiculous Smear' -- US News and World Report/AP
Corbyn: Spy stories show press is worried by Labour government -- BBC
Jeremy Corbyn says Czech spying claims are 'lies and smears' -- ITV News
Watch Jeremy Corbyn attack media 'lies and smears' over Soviet spy claims -- Business Insider
Was Britain's Labour Leader a Communist Spy? -- Voice of America