Recent weeks have seen Mr Johnson’s premiership in doubt as anger over “partygate” and spiralling living costs have raised questions about his leadership ability. Unknown number of MPs submitted letters of confidence to the 1922 party committee.
If 54 of his MPs write letters, a leadership contest will take place.
As speculation continues about his future as top civil servant Sue Gray prepares for her report on alleged lockdown breaches in Number 10. Tory MP Tom Tugendhat stated that it would be an “huge privilege to” stand in a leadership race.
The former soldier and chairman, Foreign Affairs Select Committee, said, “It’s one those questions that I know many people are asking and some people, some people, some colleagues are coy about it and I don’t understand why.”
“I believe you shouldn’t be ashamed to serve your country. I was proud to have served my country in the armed force and reached the highest rank possible so that I could make the most of it.
It was a great honor to be a diplomat in the world.
Express.co.uk readers were furious at his comments and threats, including from former Brexit Secretary David Davis, calling for the PM’s resignation.
Wiseone1 wrote, “Boris has been elected as the sole candidate. There won’t be any leadership contest unless Tory parties are completely insane.”
Bygeorge was furious: “It seems like Tom Tugendhat may be another Tony Blair in action.”
BobPage wrote, “Tugendhat, a remainer. Wave goodbye to free Brexit UK and say hello to Single Market and Customs Union members.
Mutjaba Rahman (Managing Director of Eurasia Group, and former Treasury economist) has labelled Mr Tugendhat a “good dark horse candidate” in the event of a leadership contest.
He stated that he was “highly rated. It would be quite an achievement to win from the outside Cabinet.
“Also as Remainer. It was a good thing he had the courage to stand out from the crowd.
Downing Street received Ms Gray’s report today, ahead of its expected release to the public this afternoon.
The inquiry by civil servants has focused on gatherings in government buildings under Covid restrictions.
Police requested “minimal” reference to the events being investigated, but it is unclear what the report will include.
Opposition MPs demand that all findings be released.
Ms Gray’s Cabinet Office is where she was based. She said that she had provided an update on her investigations to Prime Minister.
