After Imran Khan, British PM Boris Johnson faces no-confidence vote

LONDON - British Prime Minister Boris Johnson faces a no-confidence vote today amid dramatic tensions between the Conservative Party leader and his party's lawmakers.

International media reports say the 57-year-old has become the first sitting prime minister to break the law by throwing parties during a coveted lockdown at his official residence.  If a British politician loses a vote of confidence, he will be removed from the position of Prime Minister.

"The vote of confidence gives the government an opportunity to end months of speculation, draw the line and move forward," a statement from Johnson's office said.

She added that the British prime minister had already taken his case to lawmakers and told them that there was no stronger political force when they were united and focused on issues important to the electorate.

There are at least 359 lawmakers in the Board of Governors, and 54 of them will need to write a letter of confidence.  Boris needs the support of 180 votes to survive.

Several of his party leaders demanded his resignation without confirming that he had sent the letter.  Conservative lawmakers will hold a secret ballot.

Some other conservative lawmakers will be able to replace him as party leader if he is ousted.  Secretary of State Liz Truss and Treasury Chief Rishi Sink head the coveted position.

If Johnson wins the secret ballot, he will be safe from further challenge for another year, but the chances are slim.

Earlier, former British Prime Minister Theresa May survived such a vote, but failed to separate from the European Union, which led to her resignation.

On the other hand, social media users reminded of the dramatic no-confidence against former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan.  The leader of the movement was sacked in April after losing confidence in his leadership.

From cricketer to politician, he was the first Pakistani prime minister to be ousted by a majority of 174 votes in the 342-member House of Representatives to support a motion of no confidence.