Thursday 23 June 2022 07:50 AM Boris and Carrie land in Rwanda as he faces a double by-election defeat trends now
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Boris Johnson arrived in Rwanda today more 4,000 miles from the UK as the Tories brace for a double-defeat in the Wakefield and Tiverton by-elections.
The PM is in Kigali with wife Carrie for a Commonwealth meeting - and will be on tour abroad for the next week.
But there are fears the by-elections could spark a renewed Conservative revolt, if as expected the government fails to defend them both for the first time since the dying days of John Major's time in No10.
Ministers have already been rehearsing arguments about how difficult it is for governments to hold by-elections in mid-term. But limiting the scale of the setbacks is considered critical for Mr Johnson.
Meanwhile, the premier is facing another difficult showdown on his trip, as he holds talks with Prince Charles after apparent clashes about the policy of deporting Channel migrants to Rwanda.
Boris Johnson is in Kigali with wife Carrie for a Commonwealth meeting - and will be on tour abroad for the next week
The PM is facing another difficult showdown on his trip, as he holds talks with Prince Charles (pictured with Camilla yesterday) after apparent clashes about the policy of deporting Channel migrants to Rwanda
Mr Johnson teed up a difficult encounter before boarding the aeroplane, telling reporters critics of the scheme had a 'condescending' attitude.
The heir to the throne is said to have privately described the plan as 'appalling'.
Mr Johnson and Prince Charles are attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Chogm).
But the PM is not intending to visit the accommodation in Kigali where migrants who arrive by unauthorised means would be deported to.
It is understood he will visit Charles for a cup of tea tomorrow
