Plan B rebels do not ‘want to get rid’ of Boris Johnson, says senior Tory MP

A senior Conservative MP who rebelled on yesterday’s Plan B vote has claimed that himself and other rebel MPs are are “very much behind Boris” on issues aside from Covid restrictions.

His comments come after over 100 Conservative MPs voted against the government’s plans yesterday evening.

Peter Bone, the MP for Wellingborough, told Sky News’ Breakfast programme earlier today that: “On the particular issue of vaccine passports – effectively identify cards – the party has spoken,” but that “Otherwise” he thought “people are very much behind Boris,” but that: “On this particular issue, I think he has got it wrong.”

Plan B guidelines mandate the certification of vaccination or medical exemption at nightclubs, indoor settings with 500 plus attendees, outdoor settings with over 4,000 plus attendees, and any other venue with over 10,000 attendees. A positive lateral flow test can also be used to gain entry.

Working from home is encouraged but not required, and face coverings are now required by law in most indoor public places and on public transport, including taxis.

When quizzed over remarks made by Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown to the programme this morning, in which he suggested a looming leadership challenge, Mr Bone said: “I don’t agree with that at all – that is not the sense I have.

“It is not like when people wanted to get rid of Theresa May, it’s just not like that at all. It would be wrong to interpret [Tuesday’s rebellion] as 100 people wanting to get rid of Boris Johnson.”