Most Tory MPs do not want Philip Hammond to be sacked, a former Cabinet minister has insisted.
Brexiteers calling for the Chancellor to be kicked out when Theresa May carries out her next reshuffle are being self-indulgent, Nicky Morgan said.
The former education secretary also appeared to suggest Amber Rudd was appalled by the briefings against Mr Hammond.
Revealing a “very senior” Cabinet minister had contacted her to criticise the behaviour of some in the party, Mrs Morgan went to described the figure as “she”, prompting speculation it was the Home Secretary.
She told ITV’s Peston On Sunday: “I think those who are saying that he should be sacked are incredibly self-indulgent. I should just say I have been contacted by this morning by a very senior Cabinet minister who is appalled at what she is reading in the newspapers this morning.
“It’s not on to have all of this. It is not helpful for anybody to have ministers being attacked, whether it is the Chancellor or the Foreign Secretary when something as critical as Brexit negotiations are going on.”
“The majority of MPs in the parliamentary party do not want Philip Hammond to be sacked,” she added.
Mr Hammond is under intense pressure after angering Brexiteers in the party by refusing to prepare for the possible failure of Britain and Brussels to reach an agreement over a Brexit deal.
The Chancellor is said to be preparing a revolutionary budget to get the Government back on track after weeks of speculation about his political future.
Cabinet ministers have been asked to come up with bold proposals after intentions for a “safety first” financial statement were dropped following weeks of Tory turmoil.
Concerns the Chancellor is “trying to frustrate the negotiating process” have also been reportedly raised by the DUP, which props up the minority Tory government.
Mr Hammond is said to be looking at measures to boost housing, including urging Prime Minister Theresa May to agree to allow building on green belt as well as letting councils borrow more to help create new homes.
He is also considering writing off student loans and dropping opposition to borrowing to boost investment, according to The Sunday Times.
A Government source told the newspaper: “Philip has said that we have to have a radical budget, something that is a big offer to the nation.”