Dominic Raab has dismissed the idea that Boris Johnson could face a confidence vote as early as next week – describing the speculation as “Westminster froth”.
The deputy prime minister said the mood at the top of government was “fine” despite a growing number of Conservative MPs calling on the PM to resign.
His comments came after Mr Johnson’s own ethics adviser said there are “legitimate” questions over whether the PM breached the ministerial code after receiving a fine for a birthday bash during Covid lockdown.
Lord Geidt said the prime minister’s conduct over Partygate risks leaving the concept of the ministerial code open to “ridicule” and made a veiled threat to quit if the PM said there was no case to answer.
He also questioned the prime minister’s willingness to “take responsibility for his own conduct” in relation to the ministerial rules. Mr Johnson continues to insist he did not breach the code.
