Local MPs reject "drastic step" to remove Boris Johnson

Borough’s representatives oppose move to change leadership in Westminster
By David Floyd

No one is infallible - Mike Freer MP — No one is infallible – Mike Freer MP

At least two of Barnet’s three MPs backed prime minister Boris Johnson in a vote of no confidence in his leadership held on Monday – and the other is also believed to have done so.

The vote was called after the number of Conservative MPs writing to the party’s 1922 Committee chair Graham Brady to request a contest exceeded the required number of 54.

“No one is infallible”

Finchley and Golders Green MP, Mike Freer, who is a junior government minister, publically outlined his ongoing support for the prime minister saying: “I have worked with the PM since his City Hall days. He has delivered on local issues such as funding Henly’s Corner to saving the 13 bus. He’s been steadfast in supporting my Jewish Community in fighting anti-Semitism.

He added: “He’s got it right on vaccines, on getting us out of lockdowns and on supporting the Ukraine. No one is infallible but I will support the PM as he has supported me and my constituency when needed.”

The borough’s other two MPs, Chipping Barnet’s Theresa Villiers and Hendon’s Matthew Offord, both backbenchers, did not respond to Barnet Post’s request for comment on how they voted or whether they will continue to support Boris Johnson.

“The removal of a sitting prime minister is a very drastic step”

However, in an email to constituent Simon Cohen published on Twitter, Theresa Villiers stated: “I understand the public anger felt about Partygate and what happened in Downing Street during lockdown. But I feel the time has come to move on from this controversy, so that we can concentrate on other vitally important matters, such as growing the economy and tackling cost of living pressures.”

This story is published by Barnet Post, Barnet's free monthly newspaper and free news website. We are a not-for-profit publication, published by a small social enterprise. We have no rich backers and rely on the support of our readers. Donate or become a supporter.

She added: “I note your views on this matter, but the removal of a sitting prime minister is a very drastic step. Only 2 ½ years ago Mr Johnson won a general election with 43.6% of the vote – the highest for any party since 1979. This mandate, backed by 14 million votes, should not be lightly set aside.”

Matthew Offord published a lengthy statement on his website on Monday which indicates his support for prime minister without explicitly confirming it.

“A sense of perspective is needed”

He said: “Some people are using this as an opportunity to remove the Prime Minister through a means that does not involve a general election and have been seeking his defenestration since he was first appointed Prime Minister. I do not condone the events that occurred in Downing Street – having friends who could not attend funerals during lockdown – but a sense of perspective is needed.”

He added: “Some constituents have written to me to say they won’t vote for me as a Conservative candidate if I don’t vote against the Prime Minister. I believe I have always demonstrated that, whatever the issue, I vote in the way that I think is appropriate. Sometime this has been against the Government and sometimes with them. I have never voted to curry favour with a particular viewpoint for electoral gain.”

“I do hope the good people of Hendon upgrade”

Responding to the statement, Labour councillor and London assembly member for Barnet and Camden, Anne Clarke, tweeted her disapproval saying: “Hmmm…so he doesn’t “curry flavour” his votes. But won’t specify how he voted. I do hope the good people of Hendon upgrade at next GE.”

The Post needs you. No matter how small, your support makes a difference

Barnet Post is a community newspaper that holds authority to account, highlights inequality, promotes good causes, and provides a platform for local people. We do real local news with no paywalls, free to read for all. We can only do this with the continued support of our readers. If you can afford to, please consider supporting us with a small monthly or one-off contribution..

Monthly direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month.