A vote of no confidence in the government could be held as early as next week, according to a senior SNP MP.
Speaking to the BBC, the MP for Dundee East, Stewart Hosie said that a no-confidence vote in the government could be the only way to prevent a no-deal Brexit on October 31. If a no-confidence vote was called in the government, a 14 day period would begin in which MPs could try and form an alternative government. If no alternative government can be formed, the country will enter a general election.
On Friday, SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon hinted that she might back the Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to become caretaker prime minister, perhaps for a limited time period before an election. The Liberal Democrats have however said that they would not support a Corbyn-led administration. It is understood that Labour are in ongoing talks with opposition parties about the possibility of forming an alternative government. Other names such a Ken Clarke have been speculated as a possible interim leader that may receive support.
MPs fear that Prime Minister Boris Johnson may not obey the law in asking the European Union for an extension to Brexit if no deal is agreed.
The developments come after Boris Johnson’s suspension of Parliament was this week ruled unlawful by the Supreme Court, the highest court in the UK. The Prime Minister also faces a potential investigation into whether he committed the criminal offence of misconduct in public office during his time as Mayor of London. The Conservative Party Conference is taking place in Manchester this weekend, Mr Johnson’s first as leader.
Photo Credit: EU2017EE Estonian Presidency [CC BY 2.0]
