Boris Johnson suffered a substantial backbench rebellion as 35 Conservative MPs opposed the extension of coronavirus laws for a further six months last night.

The Prime Minister had ordered his MPs to support an extension to wide-ranging powers contained in the Coronavirus Act.

But several ignored this and opted to vote against - including Wycombe MP Steve Baker. 

Health Secretary Matt Hancock explained some of the powers in the Act need to be renewed every six months, including measures to protect tenants and renters from eviction and to provide statutory sick pay to people throughout a period of self-isolation.

Parts of the legislation have been allowed to expire, but concerns were expressed about powers which could impede the right to protest.

The extension of measures in the Act was approved by 484 to 76, majority 408.

This is how Bucks' MPs voted on the extension: 

  • Wycombe MP Steve Baker - against an extension 
  • Aylesbury MP Rob Butler - for an extension 
  • Buckingham MP Greg Smith - for an extension 
  • Beaconsfield MP Joy Morrissey - for an extension 
  • Chesham and Amersham MP Dame Cheryl Gillan - no vote recorded

The division list showed 305 Conservative MPs and 176 Labour MPs were among those to support it.

A total of 10 Liberal Democrats voted against the extension, with former minister Alistair Carmichael also acting as a teller.