Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is braced for a squeaky summer of by-elections triggered by his “honours” row with former PM Boris Johnson.
The government is set to move the writs today for two Commons contests following the dramatic resignations of Mr Johnson and his ally Nigel Adams.
However, a promised third resignation by arch Johnson supporter Nadine Dorries has so far failed to be made official.
Ms Dorries said she’d quit immediately after she failed to be sent to the House of Lords.
Mr Rishi and Mr Johnson have engaged in a bitter war of words since the former Prime Minister’s resignation honours’ list was announced.
Neither Ms Dorries nor Mr Adams – both former Cabinet ministers – appeared on the roll.
Mr Sunak was accused of having their names taken off – something he flatly denies.
Chief Whip Simon Hart is expected to move a “writ” for the by-elections in Uxbridge & South Ruislip and Selby and Ainsty seat today.
The likely date for the two by elections is Thursday July 20th.
The Conservatives could struggle to hang on to the seats.
Ms Dorries’ decision not to resign officially will also add to Mr Sunak’s summer woes.
She could force him into a protracted war of attrition as the party is struggling in the opinion polls.
The Tories were hoping to have all three by elections on the same day.