Cabinet minister Sajid Javid has admitted a vote of no-confidence in Boris Johnson’s leadership is “likely” amid speculation one could be triggered today.
The health secretary said he was unaware whether the required rebel threshold of 54 votes had been reached, but pointed to a number of colleagues who had gone public.
“If 54 letters are reached I’m sure a vote will be called. I do think it’s possible, but I don’t know,” Mr Javid said speaking to Sky News.
He added: “This country doesn’t need a vote of no confidence in the prime minister.”
Almost 30 Tory MPs have publicly urged the prime minister to resign amid the fallout from revelations about Downing Street parties held during the lockdown.
But reports have suggested more MPs privately want him to go and that enough letters demanding a confidence vote have been submitted to trigger such a showdown.
