Conservative revolt over COVID curbs deals stinging blow to UK PM Johnson

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson visits Stow Health vaccination centre in Westminster, London, Britain December 13, 2021. Jeremy Selwyn/Pool via REUTERS

LONDON (Reuters) - Almost 100 Conservative lawmakers voted on Tuesday against new coronavirus restrictions, dealing a major blow to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's authority and raising questions about his leadership.

After a day of frenzied failed lobbying, Johnson was handed the biggest rebellion against his government so far by his party over measures he said were necessary to curb the spread of the new Omicron variant.