British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday lost his working parliamentary majority before the Brexit vote after Conservative MP Phillip Lee switched sides to the pro-European Union side of the Liberal Democrats. Johnson had promised to leave the European Union on October 31 with or without a deal, but several leaders across party lines united against it.
“The Liberal Democrats are delighted to announce that Bracknell MP Phillip Lee has joined the party,” the party said in a statement.
In a letter to Johnson, Lee resigned from his membership in the Conservative Party. “After a great deal of thought, I have reached the conclusion that it is no longer possible to serve my constituents’ and country’s best interests as a Conservative Member of Parliament,” the leader tweeted.
Lee took a seat on the side of the Opposition members as the prime minister addressed the House of Commons. Several members of Opposition parties also submitted a motion for emergency deliberations to Commons Speaker John Bercow. If they are successful, they will attempt to push a bill that would force Johnson to ask for the Brexit to be delayed until January 31 unless the MPs support a new deal or vote in favour of a no-deal by October 19, according to BBC.
Now, follow and debate the day’s most significant stories on Scroll Exchange.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!