UK PM Boris Johnson apologizes in the House of Commons on April 20, 2022. (Photo: The Guardian)

Calls for a confidence vote had grown louder after a report was released last month heavily criticizing the Prime Minister and other officials for a number of lockdown-violating parties held at Johnson’s office and residence in Downing Street.

At first Johnson vehemently denied any violations. Later he admitted to  Parliament that he had made some mistakes, but refused to resign.

Winning the vote will allow Johnson to keep his leadership position, and under Conservative Party rules, his position is secure for at least another 12 months.

Some cabinet ministers said the affair needs to be quickly put behind, so the government can focus on Britain’s high inflation and stagnant economy and the crisis in Ukraine.