Johnson’s Brexit deal set for first vote in new Parliament

Boris Johnson’s Brexit bill faces its first vote today in the House of Commons as the prime minister seeks to drive the legislation through Parliament and take the United Kingdom out of the European Union on Jan. 31.

After Johnson’s Conservatives swept to victory in last week’s general election, the vote is largely a formality, because all Tory candidates vowed to back it. The legislation will thenbe set to progress throughthe remaining parliamentary steps in January, after a Christmas recess.

The Tories’ new 80-seat majority signals an end to the stalemate that’s hobbled the government since the 2016 Brexit referendum. By making progress on the divorce before Parliament breaks up, Johnson aims to show he’s moving quickly to deliver on pledges that swept his party to electoral wins in seats in northern and central England that haven’t voted Conservative in decades.

“Today we will deliver on the promise we made to the people and get the Brexit vote wrapped up for Christmas,” Johnson said in a statement. “After years of delay and rancor in Parliament, we will deliver certainty, and hard-working businesses and people across this country will have a firm foundation on which to plan for the future.”

Leader of the House of Commons Jacob Rees-Mogg late on Thursday said that after today’s session, the Brexit Bill will return to the chamber for debate on Jan. 7, 8 and 9.

In another sign that the wheels of government are turning again after months of stasis, U.K. Chancellor of the Exchequer Sajid Javid is set to formally reveal today who will lead the Bank of England after Brexit, according to people familiar with the matter. The Financial Times reported late Thursday reported that Andrew Bailey, the current head of the Financial Conduct Authority, will take the post.

The prime minister on Thursday heralded a “golden age” for the U.K., after unveiling what he described as the “most radical” program of lawmaking in a generation. The plans included a spending boost for the National Health Service, infrastructure development and a review of the relationship between government and the courts.