I noticed yesterday that amongst the people sitting on government benches were several of those rebel MP's who Boris sacked from the goverment and Conservative party during the recent 'swamp draining' exercise. I thought once they had lost the government whip that protocol dictated they MUST sit on the Opposition benches instead?
Am I missing something or is there a simple reason like there is no space on the other side anymore?
They are still Conservatives hence they sit with the Conservatives. Johnson doesn't have the power, authority or influence to kick anyone off the Government benches.
No they are not Conservatives any more as they have been kicked out of the party and must therefore decide whether to run again as independent candidates, retire, or join another party.