The prime minister downplayed the chances of the Tories, who are seeking to defend seats in Wakefield and Tiverton and Honiton in two votes sparked by the scandal.
Defeat in both constituencies against the backdrop of the partygate scandal and cost of living crisis would further ratchet up the nerves of Conservative MPs, 148 of whom recently voted against Johnson’s leadership.
Wakefield in West Yorkshire was part of the “red wall” of former Labor strongholds seized by the Conservatives who propelled the prime minister to an 80-seat majority in the 2019 general election.
The other battleground, in Devon, was last won by the Conservatives with a majority of more than 24,000 votes, but the Liberal Democrats are hopeful of their chances.
But Johnson, who will pay an official visit to Rwanda when the results are known on Friday, was defiant, saying he would not quit if they both lose.
“Re crazy?” he told reporters who were traveling with him to Kigali when the prospect of his departure was raised.
Johnson added: “Come on, it’s only been a year since we won the Hartlepool by-election, which everyone thought… you know, we haven’t won Hartlepool since, I can’t remember when the Tory party last won. Hartlepool: a long time. I don’t think I ever had it.
“Ruling parties usually don’t win by-elections, particularly mid-term elections. You know, I’m very hopeful, but you know, there you have it. That’s just the reality.”
The last time a government lost two by-elections on the same day was more than 30 years ago, when Tory Prime Minister John Major suffered a double defeat.
Under current Conservative rules, Johnson is safe from a revote on his leadership for a year.
He declined to comment directly on suggestions that the 1922 Tory Committee might change the rules to allow an earlier challenge.
“I am completely focused on fulfilling the agenda of this government. My rule of thumb is the less you talk about Westminster issues, the more you talk about the things you want to talk about with the country,” Johnson said.
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Source: www.yorkshirepost.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-06-23 12:58:16