Boris Johnson may not have to resign if he loses a no confidence vote
Constitutional government relies on a series of shared understandings, and those with differing political objectives being willing to act in accordance with agreed practice. The high tempers of the Brexit process have certainly put pressure on these understandings and on that willingness. From the Cooper-Letwin episode to the Benn Act, too many parliamentarians have, unfortunately, proved themselves willing – with help from the Speaker – to override constitutional norms. And so we find ourselves in an extraordinary state of affairs in which the House of Commons does not in substance have confidence in the government and yet is unwilling to formally withdraw confidence or bring about an early election.
