Threats and bluster: That’s all Boris Johnson has. He can’t follow through on any plan to remove rebel Tory MPs from Parliament because – if they vote against him – he won’t be their leader long enough to do it.

It’s another step into dictatorship – and it makes the Labour de-selection row look pale in comparison.

Boris Johnson has said any Conservative MP who votes against his plan for a “no deal” Brexit on October 31 will be barred from standing as a Tory candidate in the next general election.

He’s saying he will end their careers if they do what they think is right for the country. Here‘s The Sun (of all places) reporting it:

ANY Tory MP who votes for the extension legislation next week will not be allowed to stand as a Tory candidate at the next election.

I understand No10 have decided to treat next week’s votes as they would a confidence vote, with anyone not backing the Government being immediately disqualified from standing for the party again. They hope this will keep some Tory waverers in the Government lobby next week.

Dictator Johnson is effectively demanding that his MPs swear personal loyalty to him – in the same way Hitler did in the 1930s, for those of you who need the historical perspective.

This would directly contravene the terms on which they were elected in the first place, of course. Voters elect UK MPs on the basis of how they understand that person will represent their constituency – not their political party, and certainly not that party’s leader.

It is an empty threat. If Mr Johnson is defeated and his government falls, then it is unlikely that he will be the leader of the Conservative Party at the next general election, so he would be unable to ensure that rebels are de-selected.

And they have the balance of power here. If they vote against him, then his government falls – and he would be unable to follow through with his threat.

Also, look how good this makes Labour seem: Jeremy Corbyn’s party has offered constituency members the opportunity to de-select MPs they do not believe are representing them adequately in an entirely democratic process – a stark contrast to Dictator Johnson’s stance.

BoJob’s ultimatum has been met with disgust on the social media (although I’ve only seen a few tweets):

https://twitter.com/CoJoNestles/status/1167739140164726789

Have YOU donated to my crowdfunding appeal, raising funds to fight false libel claims by TV celebrities who should know better? These court cases cost a lot of money so every penny will help ensure that wealth doesn’t beat justice.

https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/mike-sivier-libel-fight/

Vox Political needs your help!
If you want to support this site
(but don’t want to give your money to advertisers)
you can make a one-off donation here:

Here are four ways to be sure you’re among the first to know what’s going on.

1) Register with us by clicking on ‘Subscribe’ (in the left margin). You can then receive notifications of every new article that is posted here.

2) Follow VP on Twitter @VoxPolitical

3) Like the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/VoxPolitical/

Join the Vox Political Facebook page.

4) You could even make Vox Political your homepage at http://voxpoliticalonline.com

And do share with your family and friends – so they don’t miss out!

If you have appreciated this article, don’t forget to share it using the buttons at the bottom of this page. Politics is about everybody – so let’s try to get everybody involved!

Buy Vox Political books so we can continue
fighting for the facts.

The Livingstone Presumption is now available
in either print or eBook format here:

Health Warning: Government! is now available
in either print or eBook format here:

The first collection, Strong Words and Hard Times,
is still available in either print or eBook format here: