Boris Johnson’s leadership is in peril amid a drip feed of rebellious Tory MPs publicly calling on him to resign.
Despite winning a stonking majority of 80 just two years ago, Johnson’s government has been engulfed by a major scandal dubbed “partygate”.
The Metropolitan Police Service is now investigating alleged Covid-rule breaking at 12 gatherings in Downing Street and Whitehall held during the pandemic.
Johnson, who is to face a parliamentary inquiry into claims he misled MPs about lockdown-busting parties, has already been fined once for attending his own birthday celebration in June 2020, with his officials braced for more fixed-penalty notices to land.
The PM is thought to have been at six of the possible rule-breaking events being considered by Operation Hillman officers.
The crisis is prompting some fed-up Tory MPs to stick their head above the parapet to call for the prime minister to go.
HuffPost UK will keep you up-to-date with the running total of Conservative MPs who want the prime minister to resign.
Currently at least 11 Tory MPs are understood to have submitted a letter to the chairman of the 1922 committee (two MPs – Andrew Bridgen and Douglas Ross – are thought to have withdrawn their missives since the outbreak of war in Ukraine).
A number of other Conservative MPs have suggested Johnson should consider his position or been highly critical. Among the most recent is Brexiteer Steve Baker, the influential backbencher who was instrumental in Theresa May’s downfall. There may be more MPs who have submitted letters but are remaining tight-lipped.
What Is A Letter Of No Confidence And How Many Are Needed To Trigger A Vote?
A Conservative leadership contest could be triggered if 15 per cent of MPs write to the chairman of the powerful backbench 1922 committee saying they no longer have confidence in Johnson.
This means 54 MPs must submit a letter to chairman Sir Graham Brady to spark a vote of no confidence.
No-one really knows how many MPs have submitted letters because Brady keeps them a closely guarded secret. MPs are free to publicly announce whether or not they are putting in a letter.
Tory Total: Here’s The Latest List
“It sounds to me, I am afraid, very much as though politically the prime minister is a dead man walking.”
“A series of unforced errors are deeply damaging to the perception of the party. The prime minister’s position is untenable.”
“He looks like a liability and I think he either goes now, or he goes in three years’ time at a general election.”
“Boris Johnson’s position is now untenable...his resignation is the only way to bring this whole unfortunate episode to an end.”
“Does the Prime Minister think I’m a fool?”
“After a great deal of soul-searching, I have reached the conclusion that the prime minister should resign.”
“I don’t think the prime minister realises how worried colleagues are in every corner of the party.”
“I can no longer support the PM. His actions and mistruths are overshadowing the extraordinary work of so many excellent ministers and colleagues.”
“I cannot reconcile the pain and sacrifice of the vast majority of the British public during lockdown with the attitude and activities of those working in Downing Street.”
“To restore trust, we need to change the prime minister.”
“I am very sorry to have to say this, but I no longer think he is worthy of the great office he holds.”
Critical Tory MPs
“In the name of God, go.”
“I have to tell him he no longer enjoys my support.”
“I would applaud if Boris Johnson resigned.”
“We need this to change. Now.”
“This is unforgivable...the culture has become lazy and slack about what happens after hours, what happens in offices.”
“We all know that if the prime minister doesn’t ship up, then they have to shape out.”
“I don’t believe for one minute that Boris Johnson has taken responsibility for his actions, an apology doesn’t constitute taking responsibility and that’s why I’ve asked him to resign.”
“If the prime minister occupied any other office of senior responsibility...he would be long gone.”
Others who have been critical, include Bob Neill, Guy Opperman, Stephen Hammond and Robert Syms who said: “I am considering whether or not I ought to put in a letter.” Meanwhile 26 Tory MSPs have called for him to go.
Story was updated after MPs voted to hold a parliamentary inquiry into Johnson.