New Delhi : , Nov 23, 2003 – UK Conservative MPs have become increasingly concerned about Boris Johnson’s drive and competence after Johnson gave a speech to business leaders.He was also accused of losing control over key policies, including rail and social care. According to the report, senior members of Johnson’s party stated that they need Johnson in order for the government to recover from a difficult two-week period.They were dismayed at Johnson’s performance at the Confederation of British Industry conference (CBI), where he lost his position and went on a long tangent about Peppapig.
A substantial rebellion was underway by the prime minister over his proposals for social care, anger over the decision to reduce rail infrastructure in the north and frustration at government failures to fulfill its promises regarding small boats crossing Channel.
The report stated that it caps an extremely difficult week for the prime minister, who admitted to “crashing the car into the ditch” during his handling of Owen Paterson’s lobbying scandal.
The nerves among Tory MPs over No 10 grew after a Downing Street source said that there was “a lot concern” in the building regarding the PM.He also stated that “it’s justn’t working”.And the BBC should be able to see the need for serious reforms by the cabinet otherwise, it will only get worse.
The Guardian was also informed by a former minister to the cabinet that there had been “an accumulation, really relating his competence” and that it looked “very shaky” following a “pretty poor bloody fortnight”.
While it is unlikely that it will lead to a leadership contest while polls are still relatively even between Labour and the Tories, it might be “problematic” for him if the situation changes as an election approaches.
A senior backbencher stated that Johnson’s CBI speech was a “mess”, while another Tory MP declared: “Someone has to take control.” Johnson is losing confidence in the party.
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