insurgent Boris Johnson has declined calls from Little cupboard colleagues quit. after support for his leadership collapsed in Westminster.
The prime minister met ministers at No. 10 on Thursday, where he was told he had lost the confidence of the Tory party and could not remain in office.
Minister of Internal Affairs Come on PatelCompany Secretary Kwasi KwartengTransport secretary Grant ShappsNorthern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis and Minister for Wales, Simon Hart, were among the cabinet ministers who told Johnson to resign.
The PA news agency understands that Ms Patel has spoken with the Prime Minister to convey the parliamentary party’s “overwhelming opinion”.
Mr Shapps is believed to have told Mr Johnson he had little chance of winning another confidence vote and should instead set a timetable for a departure on his own terms.
Reports even suggested that Nadhim Zahawi, who was only appointed chancellor on Tuesday, was among those who took part in the confrontation with Mr Johnson.
But Mr Johnson rejected suggestions that he should seek a “digner departure” and instead fight for his political future – something that could lead to further cabinet resignations.
A source close to the prime minister said he told his colleagues there would be “chaos” if he quit and the party would almost certainly lose the next election.
The source said Mr Johnson “continued to focus on delivering for the public” and addressing the “hugely important issues facing the country”.
Allies including Culture Minister Nadine Dorries and Brexit Chances Minister Jacob Rees-Mogg all continued to support Mr Johnson.
Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab also remained loyal to Mr Johnson, defending him at a 1922 backbench committee meeting.
Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 Conservative Committee, is said to have visited Downing Street to communicate the views of those left behind, after the sitting in parliament that was dominated by MPs who had called on Johnson to leave.
If Johnson refuses to go, his fate ultimately rests with the Tory MPs. if the 1922 Committee rules are changed to allow for another confidence vote within 12 months.
The committee’s board did not make any immediate rule changes on Wednesday, but has scheduled executive committee elections for Monday, with results later in the evening.
The new executive could decide to change the rules, with Mr Johnson then facing another battle to remain in office.