confidence motion

plural confidence motions

1. governmentSynonym of vote of no confidence.

   If Mr Johnson lost a confidence motion, he could abandon no-deal to try to regain MPs’ confidence. Failing that, unless an alternative government is formed, a general election would follow.

   2019 August 29, “The Guardian view on Johnson v parliament: an unelective dictatorship”, in The Guardian

   Synonyms: vote of no confidence

2. informalgovernmentA regular motion that serves as an informal indicator of confidence in the current leader or government.

   Deputy Chief Whip Craig Whittaker told them it will be a “100% hard” three-line whip, saying: “This is not a motion on fracking. This is a confidence motion in the Government.”

   2022 October 19, Ashley Cowburn, quoting Craig Whittaker, “Liz Truss declares fracking vote tonight a ‘confidence motion’ in her government”, in Mirror