Freer backs PM ahead of crunch vote citing his ‘steadfast’ support for community

Finchley and Golders Green MP Mike Freer has backed Boris Johnson ahead of a no confidence vote in the Prime Minister on Monday evening citing his “steadfast” support for “my Jewish community in fighting antisemitism.”

In a social media post ahead of the ballot of Tory MPs, Freer wrote:”I have worked with the PM since his City Hall days. 

“He has delivered on local issues such as funding Henly’s Corner to saving the 13 bus. 

“He’s been steadfast in supporting my Jewish Community in fighting antisemitism.”

Freer, made Minister for Exports and Minister for Equalities last September, added:”He’s got it right on vaccines, on getting us out of lockdowns and on supporting the Ukraine. No one is infallible but I will support the PM as he has supported me and my constituency when needed.”

Graham Brady , chair of the 1922 Committee that represents backbench MPs had announced the confidence vote after the threshold of 54 letters from Conservative MPs seeking his departure was reached.

The MP said the threshold of 15% of MPs seeking a confidence vote, numbering 54, “has been exceeded”.

In a statement Brady added:“In accordance with the rules, a ballot will be held between 1800 and 2000 today, Monday 6 June. 

“The votes will be counted immediately afterwards. An announcement will be made at a time to be advised. Arrangements for the announcement will be released later today.”

To stay in office, Johnson needs to win the support of at least 50% of all Tory MPs plus one, totalling 180.

Freer is one of three Tory MP representing the borough of Barnet, alongside Hendon MP Matthew Offord, and Chipping Barnet representative Theresa Villiers.

All three have been staunch supporters of the PM. But the local election result last month, in which Labour took Barnet Council for the first time showed a change in political allegiance for some in the borough.

A No 10 spokesperson said: “Tonight is a chance to end months of speculation and allow the government to draw a line and move on, delivering on the people’s priorities.

“The PM welcomes the opportunity to make his case to MPs and will remind them that when they’re united and focused on the issues that matter to voters there is no more formidable political force.”