Two arguments in particular were put forward by Boris Johnson's supporters to persuade Conservative MPs to keep the Prime Minister in office.
Because of the Russian war against Ukraine, it is not appropriate to change the head of government.
In addition, he had achieved great things politically during his tenure.
Of course, mentioning the management of the corona pandemic in this record of success shows either a considerable degree of chutzpah or a pronounced loss of reality.
It was Johnson's politics during the pandemic that made a significant contribution to the disenchantment of the gifted populist.
Disproportionately more people died in Britain than anywhere else because the dangers were initially downplayed.
As things progressed, Johnson lacked the courage to be unpopular, which characterizes a great politician, which he considers himself to be.
And then came Partygate.
The shameless disregard for self-imposed rules that emerged and untruths uttered in public meant that the Conservative Party had a sufficient number of MPs to start a vote of no confidence.
That alone was a significant weakening of the prime minister.
His "victory" against 148 MEPs is a classic Pyrrhic victory.
A “civil war” threatens within the party
Even before the result was announced, Johnson's supporters called on the party to stand together again.
That's exactly what was heard from Theresa May's supporters when Johnson's predecessor won her vote of no confidence by a large margin.
Johnson's result is worse.
May didn't use her victory.
And even now a “civil war” is threatening within the party.
Johnson is therefore not likely to be doing any better, although it must be admitted that Johnson is a far better "salesman" than May was.