Outgoing UK prime minister Boris Johnson narrowly survives no-confidence vote. What now?

Outgoing UK prime minister Boris Johnson survived a 'no-confidence' vote called by the opposition late Monday night amid the ongoing campaign to pick his successor. Johnson won by 111 votes, with 349 for and 238 against, meaning the ruling Conservative Party will remain in office while it elects a new leader to replace Johnson after he quit earlier this month.

The Conservatives' win means the opposition - Labour - cannot force a general election, since the rules say another 'no confidence' vote can only be called 12 months later.

Britain has avoided a general election - which would have been its third in the past five years.

Johnson announced his resignation after an exodus of ministers and senior officials - led by finance secretrary Rishi Sunak and health seceretary Sajid Javid - forced his hand. The prime minister's administration has been rocked by a series of scandals over the past months and years, including the infamous 'partygate' that made headline during the Covid lockdown.

At least 50 ministers and officials walked out on Johnson over the space of 72 hours starting July 8, leaving the prime minister with little option but to step down. He said he would resign as leader of the Conservative party but remain as PM till a successor is elected.