Tory MPs were ordered to put on a show of support for Boris Johnson yesterday, as Labour tried to exploit divisions in the Government's ranks.
Conservative whips pressured backbench MPs to pack the Commons chamber for Prime Minister's Questions and cheer on the PM as Sir Keir Starmer twisted the knife over a string of U-turns and mishaps.
'The whips got everyone in today and that did make a difference,' one senior MP said. 'We all know the situation is not good, but no one needs to hear it from Labour.'
Rishi Sunak also put on a pointed show of unity, nodding along as the PM defended his record.
The Chancellor's appearance alongside Mr Johnson followed revelations in the Daily Mail yesterday that some senior figures in Government blame the Treasury for a toxic briefing against the PM earlier this week.
Tory MPs were ordered to put on a show of support for Boris Johnson yesterday, as Labour tried to exploit divisions in the Government's ranks
A 'senior Downing Street source' told the BBC there was 'a lot of concern inside the building about the PM' following a botched speech to the CBI on Monday in which Mr Johnson lost his place for more than 20 seconds.
The briefing has led to a Whitehall hunt for the so-called 'Chatty Pig' responsible.
Several sources pointed the finger at Mr Sunak's adviser Liam Booth-Smith, head of the joint No 10/Treasury economic unit.
The claim was strongly denied by the Treasury. A friend of Mr Booth-Smith said it was 'not his style' to give damaging briefings.
Many in government believe the real source of the briefing is based in No 10, which has also been hit by infighting.
A 'senior Downing Street source' told the BBC there was 'a lot of concern inside the building about the PM' following a botched speech to the CBI on Monday in which Mr Johnson lost his place for more than 20 seconds
But the claim has sparked renewed tensions between the Chancellor and Mr Johnson, which have been simmering for weeks.
The PM's press secretary sought to play down the row yesterday, telling reporters the two men were 'working together well'.
She added: 'The PM and Chancellor, and the entire government, is focused on getting on and delivering on people's priorities.'
Deputy PM Dominic Raab was also sent out to defend his boss, saying Mr Johnson 'is on great form'.
'The Prime Minister is an ebullient, bouncy, optimistic, Tiggerish character and he livens up his speeches in a way that few politicians past and present have done, but actually
