Boris Johnson supporters demand Tory MPs send 'letters now' to oust Rishi Sunak

15 January 2024 , 17:26

1055     0

Boris Johnson's Tory backers want him to make a return (Image: Geoffrey Swaine/REX/Shutterstock)

Supporters of Boris Johnson have demanded that Tory MPs show guts by seeking to oust Rishi Sunak.

The Prime Minister faces unrest after a mega-poll suggested he could lose almost 200 seats at the general election.

David Campbell Bannerman, chairman of the Conservative Democracy Organisation that backed Mr Johnson, said a "lot more" of the party's MPs should show "guts and good sense" by challenging Mr Sunak's leadership. He added: "Letters needed now. Those who fail to act will be responsible for the Conservative Party being crashed into the ground. Let’s avoid Tory Harakiri and embrace change."

Mr Sunak will face a confidence vote if 53 Conservative MPs submit letters demanding one.

The disquiet comes after a YouGov survey of 14,000 people suggested Keir Starmer is on course to sweep into power with a landslide 120-seat majority. The poll indicated that Conservatives could hold on to as few as 169 seats, which would be 196 fewer than at the last election. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, and Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt could be among 11 Cabinet ministers to be ousted.

Teachers, civil servants and train drivers walk out in biggest strike in decade

In a massive blow to the PM, the poll also shows the Tories losing every so-called "red wall" seat that Mr Johnson won from Labour at the 2019 general election.

Mr Sunak attempted to play down the results, saying the only poll that matters "is the one when the general election comes". He added: "The choice at that election is clear, it's stick with our plan that is working, it's delivering change for people, ensuring they can have the peace of mind that there is a brighter future for their children and we can have renewed pride in our country."

But Dame Andrea Jenkyns urged colleagues to join her in seeking a leadership challenge, saying: “Conservative MPs given the latest polling are you now going to wake-up and put your vote of no confidence letters in too? "Nothing to lose, we have a general election this year anyway. Time to get our party back and be real Conservatives. And save our country from the commies who backed Corbyn!”

Ex-Cabinet Minister Sir Simon Clarke said the results would be a "disaster", adding: "The time for half measures is over. We either deliver on small boats or we will be destroyed."

Lord Zac Goldsmith, who quit the Government last year, said: "Thank God for those clever-clog 'Tory grandees' who got rid of Boris. Dodged a bullet there didn't they! Genius."

Mr Starmer urged Labour MPs and candidates to "ignore the poll". He said: "My message to every single Labour Party member, every single MP, every single candidate, is ignore that poll. We have to earn every vote, respect every vote and we should always, always, fight like we're 5% behind."

John Stevens