Don't Be A Twit Over Boris Rumours

Tory bosses have laughed off Twitter speculation that PM Boris Johnson is no longer standing in Uxbridge and South Ruislip.

In response to the rumours, Councillor Ray Puddifoot, Leader of Hillingdon Council, said: “I think it is inane dribble, he [Boris Johnson] was reselected for Uxbridge and South Ruislip on the 20th of September.

“It is just part of the opposition campaign; they have not got a dog’s chance of winning this seat.”

Twitter has been rife with rumours that PM Boris Johnson is no longer standing in his west London consistency of Uxbridge proceeding December’s general election.

Ben Page, Professor at Kings College London, said: “Boris Johnson apparently relocating from Uxbridge to Melton Mowbray constituency – local party apparently delighted (not).”

Speculation is based on the fact that by moving to a “safe seat”, Boris Johnson would guarantee his re-election as a member of Parliament which in-turn allows him to remain the leader of the Conservative Party, and in effect remain Prime Minister.

Sam Coates, Sky News Deputy Political Editor, said: “Boris Johnson [is] still definitely standing in Uxbridge, say his team. Other twitter rumour[s] are wrong.”

Boris Johnson has held a seat in

Uxbridge and South Ruislip since the 2015 general election. In both the 2015 and 2017 general elections, Johnson has secured a seat with over 50% of the votes.

The PM is standing against Labour’s candidate Ali Milani, who is a 25-year-old immigrant from Iran. Milani requires a swing of just over 5% in order to secure the Uxbridge and South Ruislip seat.

Ali Milani said: “[Johnson] has no connections to this area other than as a platform for him to get to No 10. At the time it was a safe seat for him, though not anymore.”

If Johnson were to win the election but lost his seat, he would have to step down as Prime Minister. However, Johnson could potentially still lead the country, not as a member of Parliament but as a sitting lord.