Prime Minister Boris Johnson survived a sudden confidence vote in his leadership last night - this is how the Conservative MPs in Northumberland and Durham voted, and what Labour MPs in Newcastle said.
Mr Johnson was backed by 211 Tory MPs in the dramatic vote that was triggered after controversy surrounding Partygate.
Nonetheless, 148 Tory MPs voted to remove the Prime Minister from power, meaning Mr Johnson suffered a much bigger party rebellion than predicted.
It means that the ridiculed leader secured the confidence of just 59% MPs, a lower total than that of Theresa May in 2019.
Under Conservative Party rules, Mr Johnson now cannot face another confidence vote for one year but remains under scrutiny as the Privileges Committee looks into whether he misled MPs over Partygate.
There are no Conservative MPs in Labour stronghold Newcastle-upon-Tyne, but there are a number of Tory politicians in neighbouring Northumberland and Durham.
Here is how those MPs voted in the confidence vote, and what local Newcastle MPs have said.
1. Berwick-upon-Tweed - Anne-Marie Trevelyan, CONFIDENCE
“The PM has my total support in tonight’s vote : His vision for our great country is mine too - to give us all the tools to be ambitious, bold and confident citizens, with businesses globally successful so our taxes can support amazing public services.” | -
2. Blyth Valley - Ian Levy, CONFIDENCE
“My support for the Prime Minister is not unquestioning. I have been dismayed with the culture in Downing Street during Covid, and I have made clear my desire to see things change but I do believe that the Prime Minister should be allowed to address this and to continue to deal with what really matters – getting people through the challenges we all face in the aftermath of Covid and Ukraine.” | -
3. Hexham - Guy Opperman, CONFIDENCE
“I believe Government should be focusing on the issues affecting our economy, the cost of living, and the necessity of ending the war in Ukraine. I do not believe the many months associated with leadership change helps that; I do not support colleagues undermining the PM. The PM has my support as we collectively address these issues post covid; that means levelling up, enhanced pension saving, better education / skills and real conservative policies both to grow our economy and look after the most vulnerable in our society.” | -
4. Bishop Auckland - Dehenna Davison, NO CONFIDENCE
“Many of you have understandably asked how I intended to vote in this evening’s confidence ballot in the Prime Minister. Though it is a secret ballot, it feels right to share with you how I voted. This is not a decision I took lightly. I listened carefully to all sides, and particularly to the many constituents who contacted me sharing their thoughts and experiences. Weighing it all up, I voted against the Prime Minister tonight. I hope that, whatever the result, we politicians can now fully focus on the things we were elected to do for you.” | -