This archive report was first published on 3 September 2019.
On September 3, 2019, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson faced a significant setback ahead of a crucial Brexit vote, as Conservative MP Phillip Lee defected to the pro-EU Liberal Democrats, leaving Johnson without a working parliamentary majority.
Phillip Lee, the Member of Parliament for Bracknell, made the surprise move, citing the Conservative government's handling of Brexit as the reason for his departure. Lee stated, "This Conservative government is aggressively pursuing a damaging Brexit in unprincipled ways. It is using political manipulation, bullying and lies. And it is doing these things in a deliberate and considered way."
"This Conservative government is aggressively pursuing a damaging Brexit in unprincipled ways. It is using political manipulation, bullying and lies. And it is doing these things in a deliberate and considered way," said Lee.
Lee's defection was welcomed by Liberal Democrat leader Jo Swinson, who said she was "delighted" by the move. Swinson stated, "He shares our commitment to prevent a disastrous No Deal Brexit, and to stop Brexit altogether."
Johnson's loss of majority comes as he prepares for a showdown in parliament over his Brexit plan, which could derail Britain's exit from the European Union next month. The move has sparked concerns that Johnson may prevent Tory MPs who support the bill from standing for the party in any upcoming election.
