Transport Secretary Grant Shapps urged Boris Johnson on Wednesday evening to choose a more “dignified exit” than being forced out of No10 by a second confidence vote.
He was one of several Cabinet ministers who spoke to the Prime Minister after a widespread revolt by Tory MPs, with more than 40 resignations of ministers, parliamentary aides and Government envoys within 24 hours.
Mr Shapps told Mr Johnson that he stands “little chance of commanding a majority of the parliamentary party” in a second confidence vote.
He advised the PM that “a more dignified exit would be for him to set his own timetable for an early but orderly departure”.
It comes after one of Mr Johnson’s closest allies, Home Secretary Priti Patel, spoke to him on Wednesday evening and conveyed to him the overwhelming views of the parliamentary party which has moved strongly against him in the last 24 hours. However it is understood he has still refused to resign.
The wave of resignations from the Government began as Sajid Javid resigned as Health Secretary on Tuesday evening minutes before Rishi Sunak dramatically quit as Chancellor. It came after Mr Johnson was forced into a humiliating apology to address the row over ex-deputy chief whip Chris Pincher.
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