Boris Johnson leadership bid in disarray as debate cancelled over no-show and Tory MPs threaten to collapse his government - as it happened

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Conservative leadership bid: Results of fifth ballot

Jeremy Hunt warned that a government led by Boris Johnson could "collapse immediately" due to a fragile coalition of people supporting his leadership.

The remarks from the foreign secretary came as he accused his rival in the race to succeed Theresa May of cowardice for "pathetically" avoiding questioning and trying to "slink through the back door" of No 10.

Mr Johnson was also warned by Tobias Ellwood, a defence minister, that around a dozen Conservative MPs would vote against his government if he pushed for a no-deal Brexit - risking a general election.

As it happened...

Key Points

• Tory leadership debate cancelled because Johnson refuses to take part
• Hunt warns a Johnson government could rapidly collapse over Brexit decisions
• ... as he says frontrunner must answer questions on altercation with his girlfriend
• Dozen Tory MPs could risk general election to stop no-deal Brexit

[24 June 2019 16:14 · Benjamin Kentish]

John McDonnell has said the disruption caused to Londoners by the Extinction Rebellion protests has "definitely been worth it" because of the movement's success in raising awareness of the threat global warming poses to the planet.

Speaking in London, the shadow chancellor said:

"The relatively minor disturbance to everyday life caused by the demonstrations by Extinction Rebellion and the school student strikes has definitely been worth it. These forms of direct action have secured the publicity that clearly has focused people's minds, not just on the threat of climate change but importunately on the solutions available to us."

[24 June 2019 16:39 · Benjamin Kentish]

Full story: John McDonnell defends disruption caused by Extinction Rebellion climate change activists

[24 June 2019 16:59 · Benjamin Kentish]

Opinion: Choosing Boris Johnson as prime minister would tell the world that Britain tolerates hatred, writes Liberal Democrat MP and The Independent columnist Chuka Umunna...