Election inevitable after stunning defeat

Rarely has a UK prime minister’s strategy imploded so rapidly, and so spectacularly. In two days, Boris Johnson has become the first premier since the Earl of Rosebery in 1894 to lose his first parliament vote, and seen MPs back a bill to force him to take a course he has categorically ruled out.

He has collapsed his own working majority from one to minus 43 – by backing himself into a position where he was forced to sack 21 rebels. He has led his party to the brink of a historic split. His plan to strike back with a snap election is hostage to his opponents’ agreement.

As premier, Johnson handed control of strategy and apparatus to the maverick Brexiter Dominic Cummings. He adopted bullying tactics,

outraging the Commons, and many beyond, with the move to prorogue it. An election, on very different terms, and with the Conservative party shrunken to an English nationalist rump, now looks inevitable.

Indeed, the collapse of the government’s majority means the people must surely now express their will. Serious issues exist, however, around timing. Opposition parties must balance a desire to take on Johnson against the risk of his using a ballot to ensure an EU crash-out during the campaign – or, if he wins, simply repealing this week’s bill outlawing no-deal.

MPs determined to prevent the worst Brexit have won a notable victory. They must ensure it does not turn out to be a Pyrrhic one.