More and more Tory MPs are coming out this morning to say they can no longer honestly support the Prime Minister.
Anger grows within the Conservative Party about Boris Johnson‘s handling of the allegation of groping Chris Pincher.
Yesterday, the prime minister admitted that he was aware of the claims against the MP when he promoted him.
In what has been compared to rats fleeing a sinking ship, ministers and other members of Johnson’s team submit their resignation letters.
Both Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Health Minister Sajid Javid quit in quick succession last night, but their posts were quickly filled as the prime minister clung to power.
In addition, Tory MPs have also withdrawn their support for the prime minister, including former loyalists.
Lee Anderson- who once claimed that people who use food banks can’t cook or budget properly — has now questioned Johnson’s integrity.
The backbencher, elected to Ashfield’s Red Wall seat in 2019, said he had “remained loyal” since his win, but says his position has “changed in recent days”.
Anderson pointed to the initial denial that the prime minister had been made aware of previous allegations, before No. 10 changed his line, saying Johnson simply forgot.
“I can’t look at myself in the mirror and accept this. It is my belief that our Prime Minister has made all the big decisions well and guided us through the most difficult time in my life and I have always supported him to the fullest.
“That said, integrity should always come first and unfortunately that hasn’t been the case in recent days.”
Robert Halfon was also among those this morning to admit he has “lost confidence in the Prime Minister.”
The Tory MP for Harlow said he “previously opposed any leadership change…during Covid, a cost of living crisis and the war in Ukraine.”
“However, after the events of the past few days and the resignations of cabinet members, I feel that the public has been misled about the appointment of the former deputy head whip,” he said.
“The parties at number 10 Downing Street were bad enough, but the appointment of this person and the false statement about what was known is unacceptable to me.”
Mr Halfon’s letter concluded that ‘if there is a vote for a change in leadership, I will now vote for that change’.
Contact our news team by sending an email to: [email protected]†
For more stories like this, check our news page†