Despite the loud cheers of Boris Johnson's supporters, it is clear that the result was a lot tighter than expected and it leaves him in an awkward situation.
In theory he is safe from a no confidence vote for a year. However, there are still a number of ways he could be forced out.
Mr Johnson's biggest problem is he is facing two by-elections in Devon and West Yorkshire where the Tories are expected to suffer heavy defeats. If that happens his electoral liability will become starkly apparent.
It is inconceivable that he would not come under renewed pressure and if the momentum against him continued he could quickly lose the support of a majority of his MPs.
Based on this confidence vote, he has 59% support - it would not take much more to go under 50%. That would make it difficult to govern.
If he simply refused to go, Conservative MPs could change the party rules for another no confidence vote. They also would have the option of backing an opposition no confidence motion, which if passed, would force him out.
No Conservative leader would choose to go like that and maybe even Mr Johnson would opt to resign first.
However, that is a long way off and for the moment, Mr Johnson has a parliamentary majority.
He could carry out another purge of his enemies, call a general election, or at least threaten it - making backbenchers fear deselection.
However, there is no doubt that his room for manoeuvre is diminishing.
