Tory rebels expected to tally 80 in Covid ‘plan B' vote

Boris Johnson is facing the biggest revolt of his premiership from backbench Conservatives as MPs prepare to vote on “plan B” measures, including Covid passes for large venues, the extension of mandatory face masks and changes to self-isolation rules.

- ANDREW WOODCOCK & ASHLEY COWBURN

It comes after the prime minister warned the country it was facing a “tidal wave” of infections from the omicron variant, and pleaded with colleagues that the new rules were “balanced and proportionate”.

But dozens of Tory MPs have indicated they will either abstain or vote against the proposals to introduce Covid passes in England, forcing the prime minister to rely on votes from Labour MPs in order to get the measure through the Commons today.

While the measures are expected to be approved, it would be another blow to Mr Johnson’s authority after a torrid few weeks caused by anger over a Christmas party in Downing Street during the winter of 2020 and just days before a critical byelection in the ultra-safe Tory seat of North Shropshire – a constituency where the Lib Dems are the bookies’ favourites to win.