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Brexit: Labour to back rebel Tory bid to force Johnson to demand extension – live news Brexit: Labour to back rebel Tory bid to force Johnson to demand extension – live news
(32 minutes later)
Margot James, one of 21 Tory rebel MPs expelled from the party last month, has said she will vote for Boris Johnson’s deal.
James said her decision is due to that fact 64% of her constituents in Stourbridge voted to leave the EU, but that she does have concerns about risks it may pose to the future of the UK.
It is important to note that what I trust will be agreed by parliament tomorrow is just a starting point for negotiations about our future relationship with the EU.
I am disappointed that the PM has removed many of the commitments made by the former PM that provided for frictionless trade and maximum access to the single market for goods and services.
But that is a debate for another day; the priority for parliament tomorrow is to get off the starting blocks by passing the deal.
Sir Oliver Letwin has said the purpose of his amendment was to ensure there was an extension to the negotiations if there were problems or delays passing the deal’s legislation through parliament.
Basically, we are supporting the deal and we are making sure there is an insurance policy to make sure there isn’t a mistake that leads to an unforeseen crashing out.
We are creating a sustained insurance policy which means if something goes wrong with the legislation, then we will be sure that the country will be in the EU beyond 31 October until we have found some other way of getting out conveniently.
Letwin said the amendment would make it easier for Labour MPs to vote with the government.
They know they won’t find themselves in that crashing out position later in the month if something goes wrong in the legislation process, so I really do think it maximises the chance of the deal going through.
Letwin is adamant he’s not trying to disrupt the deal, because his amended motion would still be a vote to back the deal or not - but by his own admission it makes the politics a lot more fuzzy
Forcing the PM to ask for a delay even if MPs have voted for the deal certainly changes the dynamics around tomorrow
Lab MP who was tempted to vote for Johnson's deal just told me they'll vote for Letwin: "Gets us off the hook for a bit longer."
Biggest decision about tomorrow is what the govt decides to do if Letwin amendment passes. Do they pull the whole motion? Or proceed with it, knowing it no longer constitutes a meaningful vote?
A judge at the court of session in Edinburgh has rejected a bid by the anti-Brexit campaigner, Jolyon Maughan, that questioned the legality of Boris Johnson’s new withdrawal deal.A judge at the court of session in Edinburgh has rejected a bid by the anti-Brexit campaigner, Jolyon Maughan, that questioned the legality of Boris Johnson’s new withdrawal deal.
The basis of the legal challenge by the QC and director of the Good Law Project was that the newly agreed deal contravened legislation – originally amended by hardline Brexiters to stymie the backstop arrangement – that prevents Northern Ireland forming part of a separate customs territory.The basis of the legal challenge by the QC and director of the Good Law Project was that the newly agreed deal contravened legislation – originally amended by hardline Brexiters to stymie the backstop arrangement – that prevents Northern Ireland forming part of a separate customs territory.
But Lord Pentland, who heard submissions on Friday morning and delivered his ruling at 5pm the same day, said Maugham’s argument was “weak”, adding that his petition was “of doubtful competency”. In his ruling, Pentland said:But Lord Pentland, who heard submissions on Friday morning and delivered his ruling at 5pm the same day, said Maugham’s argument was “weak”, adding that his petition was “of doubtful competency”. In his ruling, Pentland said:
It is a cardinal principle of constitutional law that the courts should not intrude on the legitimate affairs and processes of parliament.It is a cardinal principle of constitutional law that the courts should not intrude on the legitimate affairs and processes of parliament.
Responding to the ruling, Maugham accepted that he had been mistaken in bringing the action in haste.Responding to the ruling, Maugham accepted that he had been mistaken in bringing the action in haste.
We had to make a decision to issue proceedings for interim remedies quickly or not at all; once the withdrawal agreement reaches parliament it becomes impossible to challenge.We had to make a decision to issue proceedings for interim remedies quickly or not at all; once the withdrawal agreement reaches parliament it becomes impossible to challenge.
That was a difficult decision to make. It is difficult to move quickly and accurately and, the court has found, I got that decision wrong.That was a difficult decision to make. It is difficult to move quickly and accurately and, the court has found, I got that decision wrong.
Lord Carloway, Scotland’s most senior judge, has already cleared time for an emergency hearing in the court of session at noon next Monday, as part of an earlier action by Maugham along with the SNP MP, Joanna Cherry, and Dale Vince, the millionaire owner of the Ecotricity green energy company. Carloway could issue court orders forcing Johnson to send a letter to the EU asking for an extension to article 50 until 31 January, as required by the Benn Act.Lord Carloway, Scotland’s most senior judge, has already cleared time for an emergency hearing in the court of session at noon next Monday, as part of an earlier action by Maugham along with the SNP MP, Joanna Cherry, and Dale Vince, the millionaire owner of the Ecotricity green energy company. Carloway could issue court orders forcing Johnson to send a letter to the EU asking for an extension to article 50 until 31 January, as required by the Benn Act.
In another broadcast interview, this time with ITV News, the prime minister has claimed his deal – which leaves Northern Ireland practically within the customs union, while removing England, Scotland and Wales – gets the UK out of the backstop.In another broadcast interview, this time with ITV News, the prime minister has claimed his deal – which leaves Northern Ireland practically within the customs union, while removing England, Scotland and Wales – gets the UK out of the backstop.
It busts out of [the] backstop, the previous problem with the deal, the previous deal that kept us locked in the customs union and the single market so, it’s a vast, vast, vast step forward.It busts out of [the] backstop, the previous problem with the deal, the previous deal that kept us locked in the customs union and the single market so, it’s a vast, vast, vast step forward.
And what it also does, which is good, is it creates a period, a transition period from end of October, end of this month, there’s a period of standstill giving certainty to business and at the end of that it is perfectly correct that we will move to the new arrangements.And what it also does, which is good, is it creates a period, a transition period from end of October, end of this month, there’s a period of standstill giving certainty to business and at the end of that it is perfectly correct that we will move to the new arrangements.
For a clear idea of what, precisely, the deal entails, see this very handy explainer from my colleague, Lisa O’Carroll:For a clear idea of what, precisely, the deal entails, see this very handy explainer from my colleague, Lisa O’Carroll:
How is Boris Johnson's Brexit deal different from Theresa May's?How is Boris Johnson's Brexit deal different from Theresa May's?
Johnson also insisted the agreement did not signal a “race to the bottom”.Johnson also insisted the agreement did not signal a “race to the bottom”.
There’s some good language in the level playing field stuff, in the political declaration about this country’s ambitions on the environment and on social protection you know we’re world leaders in this stuff, there are ways in which we want to go further than the EU.There’s some good language in the level playing field stuff, in the political declaration about this country’s ambitions on the environment and on social protection you know we’re world leaders in this stuff, there are ways in which we want to go further than the EU.
Under the freedoms that we will win it will be possible for instance for the UK to ban the export of live animals, which has caused offence over many years in this country and we can do all things differently to a higher standard and our aspirations to high levels of protection will be enshrined in the political declaration.Under the freedoms that we will win it will be possible for instance for the UK to ban the export of live animals, which has caused offence over many years in this country and we can do all things differently to a higher standard and our aspirations to high levels of protection will be enshrined in the political declaration.
There is “no better outcome” than the Brexit deal on offer, the prime minister has claimed this evening.There is “no better outcome” than the Brexit deal on offer, the prime minister has claimed this evening.
In an interview with the BBC, Boris Johnson has sought to portray the forthcoming vote on his Brexit deal as a chance to “move on” from three years of divisive politics in Westminster and beyond.In an interview with the BBC, Boris Johnson has sought to portray the forthcoming vote on his Brexit deal as a chance to “move on” from three years of divisive politics in Westminster and beyond.
There’s no better outcome than the one I’m advocating tomorrow.There’s no better outcome than the one I’m advocating tomorrow.
I just kind of invite everybody to imagine what it could be like tomorrow evening, if we have settled this, and we have respected the will of the people, because we will then have a chance to to move on.I just kind of invite everybody to imagine what it could be like tomorrow evening, if we have settled this, and we have respected the will of the people, because we will then have a chance to to move on.
Johnson said he was hopeful the deal would pass in the Commons tomorrow, saying:Johnson said he was hopeful the deal would pass in the Commons tomorrow, saying:
Look, you know, this has been a long exhausting and quite divisive business Brexit. I hope that people will think well, you know, what’s the balance, what do our constituents really want? Do they want us to keep going with this argument, do they want more division and delay?Look, you know, this has been a long exhausting and quite divisive business Brexit. I hope that people will think well, you know, what’s the balance, what do our constituents really want? Do they want us to keep going with this argument, do they want more division and delay?
Critics, of course, will point out that Johnson’s own government’s analysis suggests his deal will cost the UK billions in economic growth and that the best outcome – on that front, at least – would be no Brexit at all.Critics, of course, will point out that Johnson’s own government’s analysis suggests his deal will cost the UK billions in economic growth and that the best outcome – on that front, at least – would be no Brexit at all.
UK would lose £130bn in growth if Brexit deal passed, figures suggestUK would lose £130bn in growth if Brexit deal passed, figures suggest
Asked about the deal he struck on the Irish border issue, the prime minister denied breaking a promise to the DUP, saying:Asked about the deal he struck on the Irish border issue, the prime minister denied breaking a promise to the DUP, saying:
I think that what you have is a fantastic deal for all of the UK, and particularly for Northern Ireland because you’ve got a single customs territory. Northern Ireland leaves the EU with the rest of the UK.I think that what you have is a fantastic deal for all of the UK, and particularly for Northern Ireland because you’ve got a single customs territory. Northern Ireland leaves the EU with the rest of the UK.
In an article for the Times (paywall) Philip Hammond, the former chancellor, and one of the 21 Tories who lost the whip after rebelling over Brexit last month, says he will only vote for the PM’s deal if he gets an assurance that it will not lead to a no-deal Brexit when the transition period finishes at the end of next year. Hammond says:In an article for the Times (paywall) Philip Hammond, the former chancellor, and one of the 21 Tories who lost the whip after rebelling over Brexit last month, says he will only vote for the PM’s deal if he gets an assurance that it will not lead to a no-deal Brexit when the transition period finishes at the end of next year. Hammond says:
I haven’t come this far seeking to avoid no-deal in 2019 to be duped into voting for a heavily camouflaged no-deal at the end of 2020. But I am not a lost cause.I haven’t come this far seeking to avoid no-deal in 2019 to be duped into voting for a heavily camouflaged no-deal at the end of 2020. But I am not a lost cause.
The assurance Hammond is seeking is the exact opposite of the assurance that the Tory Brexiter John Baron demanded in a BBC interview this morning. Baron said that he had received private promises from ministers that the government would be willing to default to no-deal at the end of next year if trade talks with the EU failed, but that he wanted Boris Johnson to say this in public. (See 2pm.) Hammond wants Johnson to say in public that he won’t consider this.The assurance Hammond is seeking is the exact opposite of the assurance that the Tory Brexiter John Baron demanded in a BBC interview this morning. Baron said that he had received private promises from ministers that the government would be willing to default to no-deal at the end of next year if trade talks with the EU failed, but that he wanted Boris Johnson to say this in public. (See 2pm.) Hammond wants Johnson to say in public that he won’t consider this.
The People’s Vote campaign described the Baron comment as evidence that the government is planning a no-deal Brexit for 2020, but government insiders dismiss this as “conspiracy theory” thinking. They argue that Johnson would not have worked so hard for a deal in recent weeks if he actually wanted no deal.The People’s Vote campaign described the Baron comment as evidence that the government is planning a no-deal Brexit for 2020, but government insiders dismiss this as “conspiracy theory” thinking. They argue that Johnson would not have worked so hard for a deal in recent weeks if he actually wanted no deal.
That’s all from me for today.That’s all from me for today.
My colleague Kevin Rawlinson is taking over now.My colleague Kevin Rawlinson is taking over now.
Emmanuel Macron, the French president, has joined the Boris Johnson fan club, it seems. This is from my colleague Jennifer Rankin.Emmanuel Macron, the French president, has joined the Boris Johnson fan club, it seems. This is from my colleague Jennifer Rankin.
Emmanuel Macron on Boris Johnson:"He is sometimes colourful...but he is a leader with genuine strategic vision and those who did not take him seriously were wrong." https://t.co/nFjSpQQekIEmmanuel Macron on Boris Johnson:"He is sometimes colourful...but he is a leader with genuine strategic vision and those who did not take him seriously were wrong." https://t.co/nFjSpQQekI
Macron has changed his tune a bit from the days when he used to denounce those who led the Vote Leave campaign as “liars”.Macron has changed his tune a bit from the days when he used to denounce those who led the Vote Leave campaign as “liars”.
Sebastian Payne says, in the light of Labour’s Melanie Onn saying she would back Boris Johnson’s deal, the PM now has a notional majority of two for his plan according to the Financial Times’ tally.Sebastian Payne says, in the light of Labour’s Melanie Onn saying she would back Boris Johnson’s deal, the PM now has a notional majority of two for his plan according to the Financial Times’ tally.
And now there were 10: @OnnMel is backing Boris' deal. By our numbers, Boris Johnson has a majority of *two* for his deal tomorrow https://t.co/2DBWj354BcAnd now there were 10: @OnnMel is backing Boris' deal. By our numbers, Boris Johnson has a majority of *two* for his deal tomorrow https://t.co/2DBWj354Bc
Melanie Onn has become the latest Labour MP to declare that she is prepared to vote for Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal despite intense pressure at Westminster to oppose it, my colleagues Heather Stewart and Peter Walker report.Melanie Onn has become the latest Labour MP to declare that she is prepared to vote for Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal despite intense pressure at Westminster to oppose it, my colleagues Heather Stewart and Peter Walker report.
Labour's Melanie Onn declares intention to vote for Brexit dealLabour's Melanie Onn declares intention to vote for Brexit deal
On the World at One Jacob Rees-Mogg, the leader of the Commons, said he thought Labour MPs in seats that voted leave might want to back the PM’s Brexit deal. He said:On the World at One Jacob Rees-Mogg, the leader of the Commons, said he thought Labour MPs in seats that voted leave might want to back the PM’s Brexit deal. He said:
There are Labour MPs in seats that voted 60, 70% to leave and they will, of their own volition, regardless of anything I could say to them, be thinking about how do they best represent their own voters.There are Labour MPs in seats that voted 60, 70% to leave and they will, of their own volition, regardless of anything I could say to them, be thinking about how do they best represent their own voters.
In fact new research from the British Election Study, which studies voting behaviour in considerable detail through an extensive database going back years, suggests that Rees-Mogg is wrong. Even in constituencies that voted leave in 2016 by large majorities, the people voting Labour are predominantly remain supporters, the research found.In fact new research from the British Election Study, which studies voting behaviour in considerable detail through an extensive database going back years, suggests that Rees-Mogg is wrong. Even in constituencies that voted leave in 2016 by large majorities, the people voting Labour are predominantly remain supporters, the research found.
Here is an extract from Ed Fieldhouse’s write-up for the British Election Study website. (I have highlighted some of the highlights in bold)Here is an extract from Ed Fieldhouse’s write-up for the British Election Study website. (I have highlighted some of the highlights in bold)
First, while 68% of Labour voters voted to remain in the EU in 2016, what about voters in those seats which voted to Leave the EU? Dividing countries in to leave and remain seats and subdividing by the 2017 winner, the BES data shows that in Labour seats where there was a leave majority, 60% of Labour voters voted to remain in 2016 compared to 76% in remain seats. In other words while unsurprisingly there were more Labour leave voters in leave seats, on average there was still a substantial remain majority. Even in those with a leave vote of greater than 60%, a clear majority (57%) of Labour voters voted remain in 2016.First, while 68% of Labour voters voted to remain in the EU in 2016, what about voters in those seats which voted to Leave the EU? Dividing countries in to leave and remain seats and subdividing by the 2017 winner, the BES data shows that in Labour seats where there was a leave majority, 60% of Labour voters voted to remain in 2016 compared to 76% in remain seats. In other words while unsurprisingly there were more Labour leave voters in leave seats, on average there was still a substantial remain majority. Even in those with a leave vote of greater than 60%, a clear majority (57%) of Labour voters voted remain in 2016.
Of course, Labour is not looking to win only the votes of those who supported them in 2017, and some people have changed their Brexit preferences since 2016. Rather than focus on 2017 vote and 2016 EU referendum vote we can use the BES to look at the Brexit preferences of all potential Labour voters in May 2019. We defined respondents who scored Labour on a like-dislike scale at least 5 on a 0-10 scale as potential supporters, making up 46% of all respondents that said they would vote and had decided how to vote.Of course, Labour is not looking to win only the votes of those who supported them in 2017, and some people have changed their Brexit preferences since 2016. Rather than focus on 2017 vote and 2016 EU referendum vote we can use the BES to look at the Brexit preferences of all potential Labour voters in May 2019. We defined respondents who scored Labour on a like-dislike scale at least 5 on a 0-10 scale as potential supporters, making up 46% of all respondents that said they would vote and had decided how to vote.
Overall 70% of these potential Labour voters said they would vote to remain in the EU, with only 21% preferring to leave, with the rest saying they ‘don’t know’ or ‘would not vote’ in another referendum. In leave constituencies these figures change only slightly to 65% and 25% respectively. When we narrow this down to Labour seats we see little evidence to suggest that Labour MPs in leave constituencies who are concerned about their re-election prospects need worry more about alienating leave voters than remain voters. In Labour held sets with a leave majority the figures are almost identical: 64% remain and 25% leave. Even in strong leave Labour seats (where leave vote exceeded 60%) the number of potential Labour voters who would vote remain (62%) is more than twice the number who would vote Leave (26%).Overall 70% of these potential Labour voters said they would vote to remain in the EU, with only 21% preferring to leave, with the rest saying they ‘don’t know’ or ‘would not vote’ in another referendum. In leave constituencies these figures change only slightly to 65% and 25% respectively. When we narrow this down to Labour seats we see little evidence to suggest that Labour MPs in leave constituencies who are concerned about their re-election prospects need worry more about alienating leave voters than remain voters. In Labour held sets with a leave majority the figures are almost identical: 64% remain and 25% leave. Even in strong leave Labour seats (where leave vote exceeded 60%) the number of potential Labour voters who would vote remain (62%) is more than twice the number who would vote Leave (26%).
Fieldhouse says the view expressed by Rees-Mogg (also shared by some Labour MPs, who worry that a remain stance will cost them votes in leave areas) is what social scientists call “an ecological fallacy”. Fieldhouse explains: “Just because Labour voters disproportionately live in leave areas doesn’t mean that they are more likely to be Leave voters themselves.”Fieldhouse says the view expressed by Rees-Mogg (also shared by some Labour MPs, who worry that a remain stance will cost them votes in leave areas) is what social scientists call “an ecological fallacy”. Fieldhouse explains: “Just because Labour voters disproportionately live in leave areas doesn’t mean that they are more likely to be Leave voters themselves.”
The government has tabled two motions for the debate tomorrow; the first, approving Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal; and a second, alternative one, approving a no-deal Brexit. As this House of Commons library briefing explains, the second motion is only expected to be moved (ie, put to a vote) if the first one gets defeated.The government has tabled two motions for the debate tomorrow; the first, approving Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal; and a second, alternative one, approving a no-deal Brexit. As this House of Commons library briefing explains, the second motion is only expected to be moved (ie, put to a vote) if the first one gets defeated.
The Labour MPs Peter Kyle and Phil Wilson, who have been behind previous attempts to get the Commons to support a confirmatory referendum on a Brexit deal, have tabled an amendment to the second motion saying a referendum should be held. They say more than 90 MPs have signed it.The Labour MPs Peter Kyle and Phil Wilson, who have been behind previous attempts to get the Commons to support a confirmatory referendum on a Brexit deal, have tabled an amendment to the second motion saying a referendum should be held. They say more than 90 MPs have signed it.
The amendment for a confirmatory ballot has been tabled for #SuperSaturdayIn the space of one hour over 90 MP’s from across the House signed the amendment...on a Friday! #KyleWilson #Compromise pic.twitter.com/hBQ8g1o8qQThe amendment for a confirmatory ballot has been tabled for #SuperSaturdayIn the space of one hour over 90 MP’s from across the House signed the amendment...on a Friday! #KyleWilson #Compromise pic.twitter.com/hBQ8g1o8qQ
Our approach has always been about consensus and compromise. Having heard from hundreds of MPs it is clear that most want to focus entirely on the deal as priority number one, not two substantial propositions simultaneously. Many want to vote on the deal before anything elseOur approach has always been about consensus and compromise. Having heard from hundreds of MPs it is clear that most want to focus entirely on the deal as priority number one, not two substantial propositions simultaneously. Many want to vote on the deal before anything else
So @MPphilwilson and I have tabled our amendment against Motion 2.Should the deal fail to get a majority, MPs will move forward and be given the chance to vote on #KyleWilson.If successful, the House will have instructed govt to put any Brexit terms back to the peopleSo @MPphilwilson and I have tabled our amendment against Motion 2.Should the deal fail to get a majority, MPs will move forward and be given the chance to vote on #KyleWilson.If successful, the House will have instructed govt to put any Brexit terms back to the people
But, given that the second motion will probably not get moved in the first place, the Kyle/Wilson amendment will probably not get put to a vote.But, given that the second motion will probably not get moved in the first place, the Kyle/Wilson amendment will probably not get put to a vote.
And Nick Boles, the former Tory who now sits as an independent, will back Boris Johnson’s deal.And Nick Boles, the former Tory who now sits as an independent, will back Boris Johnson’s deal.
I voted for May’s deal three times. I still want the UK to leave the EU with a deal. The compromise that Johnson has struck is flawed. But it is a lot better than no deal or no Brexit. I will support the motion as amended tomorrow and every stage of the implementing legislation.I voted for May’s deal three times. I still want the UK to leave the EU with a deal. The compromise that Johnson has struck is flawed. But it is a lot better than no deal or no Brexit. I will support the motion as amended tomorrow and every stage of the implementing legislation.
David Gauke, the former Tory justice secretary and one of the 21 Tories who had the whip withdrawn last month after rebelling over Brexit, says he will back Boris Johnson’s deal – but is backing the Letwin amendment too.David Gauke, the former Tory justice secretary and one of the 21 Tories who had the whip withdrawn last month after rebelling over Brexit, says he will back Boris Johnson’s deal – but is backing the Letwin amendment too.
I have always believed that the best outcome to Brexit was to leave with a deal. I voted 3 times to leave with a deal.For me, the worst outcome was to leave with no deal. I’ve been prepared to resign from the Cabinet and lose the party whip in order to oppose no deal. /1I have always believed that the best outcome to Brexit was to leave with a deal. I voted 3 times to leave with a deal.For me, the worst outcome was to leave with no deal. I’ve been prepared to resign from the Cabinet and lose the party whip in order to oppose no deal. /1
Any deal involves compromises. The PM deserves credit for being willing to compromise and get a deal.With the best will in the world and everyone acting in good faith, it will be very difficult to scrutinise and pass any legislation between now and 31 October. /2Any deal involves compromises. The PM deserves credit for being willing to compromise and get a deal.With the best will in the world and everyone acting in good faith, it will be very difficult to scrutinise and pass any legislation between now and 31 October. /2
As an insurance policy, the Benn Act needs to stay in place. That’s why I’ll support the Letwin amendment.I have some concerns about the deal. Is there a risk that at the end of 2020 we find ourselves on WTO terms with the EU? That’s a very bad outcome. /3As an insurance policy, the Benn Act needs to stay in place. That’s why I’ll support the Letwin amendment.I have some concerns about the deal. Is there a risk that at the end of 2020 we find ourselves on WTO terms with the EU? That’s a very bad outcome. /3
But that is a matter Parliament can examine whilst scrutinising the Withdrawal Agreement Bill.I’ve been making the case for a long time that resolving Brexit was going to require compromise. Tomorrow I will back the PM’s compromise. I hope Parliament will back the deal. /4But that is a matter Parliament can examine whilst scrutinising the Withdrawal Agreement Bill.I’ve been making the case for a long time that resolving Brexit was going to require compromise. Tomorrow I will back the PM’s compromise. I hope Parliament will back the deal. /4
The FT’s Sebastian Payne reckons Boris Johnson could now have a majority of one for his deal.The FT’s Sebastian Payne reckons Boris Johnson could now have a majority of one for his deal.
With Graham Stringer sounding increasingly emollient towards the deal, that takes Labour MPs supporting the deal up to 9. So if all the ERG and Independent Conservatives are on board, @FinancialTimes analysis means he has a majority of 1 for the deal. https://t.co/LsCXL4tcLBWith Graham Stringer sounding increasingly emollient towards the deal, that takes Labour MPs supporting the deal up to 9. So if all the ERG and Independent Conservatives are on board, @FinancialTimes analysis means he has a majority of 1 for the deal. https://t.co/LsCXL4tcLB