After failing to answer one simple question – does he still support Boris Johnson in the wake of cabinet member resignations – Isle of Wight Conservative MP, Bob Seely, has finally spoken out against Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
There have been a flood of other resignations as the day has continued, following Prime Minister’s Question Time at lunchtime, and whilst the PM was being questioned in the Liaison Committee this afternoon.
This afternoon (Wednesday), Seely issued the following statement:
“I supported Prime Minister Boris Johnson in the recent vote of confidence, following a renewed commitment to look at the Isle of Wight council’s funding settlement. Since then, we’ve seen more controversies and more ethical questions.
“Talking with Islanders, it’s clear that Boris — despite his past strengths — is becoming a distraction to governing Britain.
“I am very concerned that important debates and important issues — on the Island and nationally — are being drowned out by the incessant noise from Downing Street. We need to be focused on getting inflation down, supporting people through the cost of living crisis, and growing the economy. On Island issues, I need ministers in place and focused on delivering for Islanders.
“If there is another confidence vote in the Prime Minister, I will not be supporting Boris. We need a change of Prime Minister. I am sorry that it has come to this point, but it is now in our national interest that this happens soon, as I suspect it will.”
By-election defeats
Most recently Seely failed to directly answer a question about his support for the PM after two recent defeats for the Conservative Party in by-elections.
News OnTheWight asked the Isle of Wight MP,
“After yesterday’s dual by-election defeats, including Honiton that has been a safe Conservative seat for 99 years and the resignation of the Conservative co-chairman Oliver Dowden with him saying, “We cannot carry on with business as usual. Somebody must take responsibility”, and his view that Conservative supporters are “distressed and disappointed by recent events, and I share their feelings” – do you continue to support Boris Johnson as Prime Minister?”
Bob Seely MP didn’t provide a direct answer to the simple question.
