Oris Johnson is confident that Tory rules will not be changed to give MPs another chance to oust him within months, as it would weaken the position of any potential successor, allies said.
The Prime Minister survived a vote of confidence on June 6, but 41% of his own MPs tried to remove him.
The rules of the Tory 1922 committee mean that there can be no vote of confidence again within 12 months, although Mr. Johnson’s opponents may try to lift that restriction.
If the rules were changed, every leader would have a gun to their head forever
But allies of the Prime Minister said making it easier for backbenchers to get rid of the leader would permanently damage the party.
“If the rules are changed, every leader will have a gun to their head forever,” a source close to Mr. Johnson said.
“They would never be able to get by with anything, because they would be constantly dependent on the whims of MPs.”
The prime minister’s allies are becoming increasingly frustrated with vocal criticism from former party leaders who failed to win general elections, including Lord Hague and Lord Howard.
Although those around Mr. Johnson is confident that the threat of another vote of confidence has subsided, with the prime minister still facing the prospect of a potentially damaging parliamentary inquiry into whether he lied to MPs about the party drive.
The Privilege Committee investigation that Mr. Johnson’s fate in office began Wednesday with a decision to allow Downing Street staff to testify anonymously if necessary.