Number of Tory MPs calling for PM to resign rises to 12

THREE MORE Conservative MPs have submitted letters of no confidence in Boris Johnson, as backbench anger continues to bubble in the wake of ‘partygate’.

A Select Committee chair was among those to write to Sir Graham Brady yesterday, following reports that the Prime Minister attended more potentially-lockdown busting gatherings than was previously thought.

Tobias Ellwood, who heads up the defence committee, said it was “just horrible” for Tories to have to defend the current situation to the public, and confirmed yesterday morning that he would be sending in a letter.

Also submitting letters of no confidence were Anthony Mangnall, elected in 2019, and Sir Gary Streeter, who has been in the Commons for nearly three decades. Both said the Prime Minister had lost their support.

It means 12 Conservatives have now publicly called for Mr Johnson’s resignation, though more are believed to have done so privately. A confidence vote will be triggered if Chairman of the 1922 Committee Sir Graham receives 54 letters, 15 per cent of the parliamentary party, calling for a poll.

Former Minister Mr Ellwood told Sky News Mr Johnson should “take a grip” of the situation and call a vote of confidence in himself.

“I don’t think the Prime Minister realises how worried colleagues are in every corner of the party, backbenchers and ministers alike, that this is all only going one way and will invariably slide towards a very ugly place,” he added. Mr Mangnall, MP for Totnes and South Devon, voiced similar concerns later in the afternoon, when he tweeted: “Standards in public life matter. At this time I can no longer support the PM.”

Sir Gary, who is among the longest-serving Conservatives, then joined the rebellious ranks shortly afterwards. The South West Devon MP wrote on Facebook:

“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. I have now submitted a letter seeking a motion of no confidence in the Prime Minister.”

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries described the Tory MPs as “selfish”, calling them “a handful of egos”.