Key Tory throws Johnson a lifeline

THE Tory backbench chief handed a lifeline to Boris Johnson yesterday by rejecting calls to change leadership rules.

At present, the Conservative Party leader cannot face another confidence vote for 12 months after winning one.

Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the backbench 1922 Committee, had suggested halving the gap would not be impossible.

But he told Times Radio yesterday: ‘I think it’s important we say the rule that is in place and is likely to remain in place is that there is a year’s period of grace following a confidence vote.’