Boris Johnson could be back in Downing Street by next Christmas, one of his closest allies has claimed.
Nadine Dorries believes the Conservatives will choose to bring him back if Rishi Sunak continues to struggle in the polls.
The former culture secretary said Tory MPs are alarmed that they will be ousted by the voters at the next election.
Mr Johnson resigned in disgrace in July following a series of scandals, but Mrs Dorries thinks they will turn to him in the belief he is the leader who can "keep them in their seats".
"I think the local elections in May are going to be absolutely difficult for us but Rishi won't walk,” she told the Express.
"It will take a little bit longer than that. I think there is a chance if the polls keep sliding by this time next year we will see Boris Johnson back in Downing Street.
"Many of the people who were anti-Boris realise they are nothing without their seat.
"They have no voice, no one is interested in what they will have to say, not even down at the job centre."
Mr Johnson was forced out by his MPs following months of criticism over Partygate. Both he and Rishi Sunak received police fines for a lockdown-busting gathering in Downing Street to mark his 56th birthday, while aides held boozy parties including on the night before the funeral of Prince Phillip.
He finally quit as PM after it emerged he had not told the truth about what he knew about sex harassment allegations against Tory MP Chris Pincher when he appointed him as deputy chief whip.
Mr Johnson attempted to make a rapid comeback when Liz Truss announced she was resigning after just seven weeks in Downing Street, but he withdrew from the contest after Mr Sunak won the backing of significantly more Tory MPs.
He conceded "this is simply not the right time", as he failed to rule out another attempt at returning in the future.
The former PM still faces a looming Commons privileges investigation into allegations he misled MPs over Partygate. If he is found guilty, he could be suspended and ultimately kicked out of Parliament.
Mrs Dorries is one of Mr Johnson’s most vocal supporters. In an interview earlier this year, she said she owes him “my absolutely undying loyalty” because he gave her a seat around the Cabinet table.
She is expected to be rewarded with a peerage as part of his resignation honours list.
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