Conservative MPs in North Wales back Prime Minister after winning confidence vote

On Monday (June 6), Mr Johnson won 59 per cent of votes from Conservative MPs, with 211 voting in his favour and 148 against.

The number of MPs rebelling was higher than many predicted, but party rules mean he cannot face a similar vote for another 12 months.

It follows the Prime Minister facing calls to resign from his post, including from the Plaid Cymru MP for Arfon, Hywel Williams, after he was found to be one of several senior Government officials to have broken COVID-19 lockdown rules.

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James Davies, MP for Vale of Clwyd, voted in support of Mr Johnson, having welcomed his apology for such behaviour.

Dr Davies added that, on balance, he felt a “destructive and divisive leadership contest with an uncertain outcome was not in the best interests of the country” at this time.

He said: “I was conflicted and thought long and hard about the right decision to make.

“I listened to what the PM had to say at a private meeting, discussed the matter with others and read through correspondence I was receiving from constituents.

“Of course, there were calls for him to go – including from some who had previously backed him. However, there was also a great deal of support being expressed.

“I share the deep anger and frustration of many at the contents of the Sue Gray report (into lockdown gatherings), but the primary findings of that report related to the behaviour of civil servants within Whitehall, and not his own conduct.

“It was a significant failing that this behaviour should have been allowed to occur, and I welcome the PM’s apology for this and the changes he has made to the Number 10 leadership.

“I have the benefit of knowing the Prime Minister personally, and having a judgment of his character which does not accord with much of what has been alleged in recent times.

“I agree with his verdict that ‘some of that criticism has perhaps been fair, some less so’. I also think that coverage of this issue by elements of the media has been excessive and unbalanced.

“Ultimately, I decided that unleashing a destructive and divisive leadership contest with an uncertain outcome was not in the best interests of the country – especially at a time when we have war in Europe, worrying cost of living pressures, and a need to restore the NHS to health post-pandemic.

“There remains much loyalty to Boris Johnson, who won a landslide just two and a half years ago, delivered Brexit, oversaw a world-beating COVID-19 vaccination programme, and has taken an international lead on the environment and Ukraine.

“However, no loyalty is boundless and there is an over-riding need for the PM to re-establish trust where it has been lost.

“I have told him personally that this needs to be his immediate focus.”

David Jones, MP for Clwyd West, also voted in the Prime Minister’s favour at Monday’s vote.

He said: “It is a fundamental rule of politics that divided parties will inevitably find it difficult to inspire the popular support necessary to win elections.

“Sadly, the vote in the 1922 Committee this week has highlighted divisions in the Conservative Party that will take some time to heal.

“I declined to support the motion of no confidence on Monday because, while I deplored the events of some 18 months ago that were outlined in the Sue Gray report, I felt that the Prime Minister had taken positive, effective steps to address the unacceptable juvenile culture that had developed at 10 Downing Street during the pandemic.

“The staff members responsible had been moved out and a new Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff had been appointed.

“Anyone who deals with No 10, as I regularly do, will vouch that it is now the wholly professional operation that is should be.

“The Prime Minister has, quite properly, apologised for the events of lockdown. He has acknowledged that public opinion has been affronted by what happened.

“I have spoken to him personally about the issue several times and have no doubt that his contrition is heartfelt and genuine. The episode has, however, reflected no credit on him.

“At the same time, it must be acknowledged that, on many important issues, the PM has made the right decisions.

“He oversaw the funding and development of the AstraZeneca Covid vaccine and the very successful rollout of the vaccination programme – the first in the world.

“Now, he is leading the West’s response to the Russian aggression in Ukraine, ensuring the Ukrainians receive essential weaponry, and recruiting Sweden and Finland to the NATO alliance.

“Earlier this week, (Ukraine) President Zelensky thanked him for his ‘complete understanding’ of Ukraine’s needs.”

Though, Mr Jones admitted that the split that the vote revealed in the party is a “worrying state of affairs”, and backed Mr Johnson to take further steps to heal such divisions.

He added: “The motion of no confidence was defeated on Monday, but by only a narrow margin.

“The vote revealed a 60-40 split in the Parliamentary Party. For anyone who cares about the Conservative Party and the country, that is a worrying state of affairs.

“Through the vote, the Prime Minister has effectively now been told by his party that further improvements are necessary.

“He must listen to what he has been told. He should implement an immediate reshuffle, to ensure that the very best men and women fill his ministerial team.

“He should take further steps to address the cost of living crisis, by cutting income tax and reversing the recent increase in national insurance contributions.

“And he should ensure that public services return to full operation after the too-lengthy disruption of the pandemic.

“All these things the Prime Minister can, and must, do. I believe that he has it in him to do them.

“The divisions in the party simply must be healed. I will support the Prime Minister in his efforts to achieve that.

“But my support – and that of my colleagues - is not unconditional; and the Prime Minister understands that only too well.”

Virginia Crosbie and Robin Millar, MPs for Ynys Môn and Aberconwy respectively, added that it was now time to draw a line under recent events and move on.

Mrs Crosbie added that Mr Johnson, who visited Anglesey earlier this year, could help bring “jobs, opportunities and investment” to the island.

She said: “The Prime Minister won the confidence vote last night and now it’s time to get behind him and work to tackle the challenges this country faces both at home and abroad.

“Boris Johnson is a fervent supporter of new nuclear power and I see this as my priority – spades in the ground for a new nuclear power station at Wylfa, and all that means for jobs and investment on this island.

“All that really interests me is what is best for my constituents. I said I would bring jobs, opportunities and investment.

“This Government, headed by this Prime Minister is committed to doing just that in places like Ynys Môn that have been long ignored by other political parties.

“It’s time to get on with the job.”

Mr Millar added: “The Prime Minister secured the support of more than 60 per cent of the Conservative parliamentary party. As party rules stand, he may not be subject to another vote for a 12 month period.

“It is vital, then, that Conservative MPs respect this result and work together on the challenges ahead.

“I have been clear about my disappointment over past events and my concerns for international matters.

“Right now, I am looking ahead and will continue to apply myself to delivering results here in Aberconwy and for North Wales.

“I'm particularly keen to bring in investment to level up our communities, better rail and broadband connections for business and see our Welsh Government-run health services improve.

“I am also eager to help families and pensioners facing the rising prices that are such a concern for so many.”