The government has issued a motion of no confidence after blocking Labour’s attempt to remove Boris Johnson from office immediately.
Labour’s claim was for a motion of confidence in the government and prime minister and could have triggered a snap general election.
But the government accused the opposition of “playing political games”insists this is not a “valuable use of parliament’s time” because the Prime Minister has resigned.
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By manipulating his own motion of confidence, Mr Johnson was able to establish the wording in a way that made it easier for his party to vote for it.
It is thought Tory MPs are more likely to support the government’s move as it will not be in favor of Mr Johnson.
A government spokesman said today: “Labour was selected to negotiate a straightforward vote of no confidence in the government by convention, however they chose not to do so.”
“To fix this, we are making a proposal that gives the House of Commons a chance to decide if it has confidence in the government.
“The government will always make time for pertinent issues of the House of Commons while ensuring that it delivers the business of parliament to help improve people’s daily lives.”
Labor reacted with fury last night when Downing Street refused to allow parliament time to debate their motion, accusing the government of “fear of running away”.
Government move announced as Mr Johnson faces his first PMQs since he resigned as prime minister last week.
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Boris Johnson faces Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer at PMQs for the first time since giving his resignation speech.
In a heated exchange, Sir Keir Starmer said the Prime Minister could finally “unchain, say what he really thinks and forget about following the rules”.
He described Mr Johnson as “totally deceived with a bitter end” and told MPs: “I’m really going to miss this weekly nonsense from him.”
The prime minister responded with a sarcasm towards the opposition leader, saying he had “never come up with the idea”.
“Maybe this will be our last confrontation on this issue,” he said.
“So I want to thank him. I want to thank him for the style in which he has led himself.
“I think it’s fair to say that he’s much less lethal than many of the other members of this House.”
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Mr Johnson also said he would leave the job “with head held high”.
He said: “It’s not entirely true that I left at the time of my choice, that’s completely true, but I am proud of the great teamwork that has been involved in all the projects both in nationally and internationally, and I am also proud of the leadership I have given.
“I will leave with my head held high.”
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