The Supreme Court has delivered its unanimous judgement – Boris Johnson’s prorogation of parliament was unlawful. Betfair markets reacted instantly with the PM backed briefly at odds-on to cease to be Conservative Leader this year and a 2019 General Election is now rated 70% likely at odds of 1.42. To be clear though, nobody can confidently predict where this incredible drama is heading next.
The reaction from Westminster commentators, political opponents and Brexiter allies was predictable. The first group regard it a catastrophe for Johnson, the second demand his resignation while the third are doubling down, and want an election to resolve this constitutional crisis. Number Ten have confirmed that Johnson is not resigning and pressing on with his plans for a Queen’s Speech.
This is about as bad as it gets for Johnson. Former AG said Dominic Grieve told me a few days PM “should consider his position” if the Supreme Court decided it was unlawful @joannaccherry just said Johnson should resign as PM outside court
— Beth Rigby (@BethRigby) September 24, 2019
"I invite @BorisJohnson to consider his position."
Labour leader @JeremyCorbyn says the #SupremeCourt ruling shows the PM has "acted wrongly in shutting down parliament and demonstrates a contempt for democracy and an abuse of power".
Follow live: https://t.co/aY7Nzaa1tQ pic.twitter.com/WFigEUk1q9
— Sky News (@SkyNews) September 24, 2019
This confirms what we already knew – Boris Johnson isn’t fit to be prime minister. He’s misled Queen and country, and unlawfully silenced the people’s representatives. I’m on my way to resume my duties in the Commons and stop Brexit altogether. https://t.co/CklIVPUGBX
— Jo Swinson (@joswinson) September 24, 2019
"There are a lot of people who want to frustrate Brexit."@BorisJohnson says the #SupremeCourt ruling that his decision to prorogue parliament was unlawful was "not the right decision."
Get the latest here: https://t.co/9AIO3XpiWC pic.twitter.com/mL1tyh3hws
— Sky News (@SkyNews) September 24, 2019
Thanks to the act passed in Parliament this Supreme Court decision gives control back to the EU. It is within their gift to give an extension of their choosing- they can even force a second referendum.
We now need an election as soon as possible. pic.twitter.com/jTEUZW2tE9
— Richard Tice (@TiceRichard) September 24, 2019
Parliament resumed today at 11.30am, thus interrupting the Labour conference. That represents two further bits of bad news for the PM, as it will push the Labour civil war down the news cycle and avert a planned walkout during Tom Watson’s speech. Instead all the focus is on Johnson, and what his opponents plan to do next.
A Second Vote of No Confidence in 2019 is trading at 1.45 and, in my view, almost certain to happen, swiftly followed by an election. However, don’t expect that to play out yet, not until No Deal on October 31 has been blocked. The new law demanding the PM seeks an extension does not come into force until October 19 – straight after the EU Council meeting from which any new deal must emerge.
Click here to read the full article, free of charge, for betting.betfair.com