Tory backlash was growing towards Boris Johnson over Partygate last night as a dozen MPs issued public criticism of the Prime Minister and slammed Downing Street 'prats'.
Tory MP Nigel Mills, who backed Johnson during the Tory leadership contest, expressed his confusion over how 'so many stupid things could have happened'.
And Peter Bone, the MP for Wellingborough since 2005, said anyone who partied in No10 on the eve of Prince Philip's funeral 'needs to be sacked'.
Lee Anderson, a new Red Wall MP for Ashfield, even created a poll on Facebook asking voters if Johnson should stay as Prime Minister.
Amid the party's internal fallout, one ex-minister warned that Johnson is 'toast', while another said the crisis now feels 'terminal'.
One senior backbencher revealed they had received more than 200 angry emails from infuriated constituents over the parties, alongside only five supporting the PM.
It follows five Tory MPs calling for the embattled premier to step down over his handling of the lockdown party scandal.
Andrew Bridgen submitted a letter of no-confidence in Johnson, joining Douglas Ross, Sir Roger Gale, William Wragg and Caroline Nokes in urging him to quit.
It is understood that up to 30 letters of no-confidence have been submitted to Sir Graham Brady, the chairman of the 1922 committee of Tory MPs. If more than 15 per cent of the party’s MPs submit letters, there has to be a vote on the leadership.
The growing Tory backlash over Johnson's handling of the Partygate scandal comes as:
Mr Johnson's personal ratings have slumped to an all-time low of minus 52 according to YouGov, with 20 per cent viewing him favourably and 72 per cent unfavourably; There are claims the investigation by top civil servant Sue Gray will find no evidence of criminal behaviour, despite the growing evidence about guidance being flouted; The Metropolitan Police has made clear it is unlikely to launch a probe unless the Cabinet Office flags potential incidents where offences might have been committed; Speaker Lindsay Hoyle has warned it would be 'entirely inappropriate and discourteous' if the results of Ms Gray's inquiry leak before being announced to the Commons; The Conservative association in ultra-safe Sutton Coldfield has voted to withdraw its support for the PM, saying that the 'culture starts at the top'.
Tory backlash was growing towards Boris Johnson (pictured on January 12) over Partygate last night as a dozen MPs issued public criticism of the Prime Minister. It follows five Tory MPs calling for the embattled premier to step down
Peter Bone, the MP for Wellingborough since 2005, said anyone who partied in No10 on the eve of Prince Philip's funeral 'needs to be sacked'
Tory MP Nigel Mills, who backed Johnson during the Tory leadership contest, expressed his confusion over how 'so many stupid things could have happened'.
Nigel Mills, MP for Amber Valley, told The Times: 'These people are meant to be the brightest and the best running the country. It’s hard to conceive how so many stupid things could have happened.'
Peter Bone, MP for Wellingborough, said: 'If there were people in Downing Street prior to the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral partying, well they’re prats and need to be sacked.'
Julian Knight, MP for Solihull, said he is 'very open minded' about the idea of Johnson resigning.
Tobias Ellwood, MP for Bournemouth East, added: 'I say to the prime minister, "Lead, or get out of the way and step aside".'
Danny Kruger, Mr Johnson's former political secretary turned MP for Devizes, accused the PM of a 'callous disregard for the personal sacrifices that families were making'.
Former cabinet member Karen Bradley said she shares the outrage with her dismayed constituents about the revelations.
Tobias Ellwood, MP for Bournemouth East, added: 'I say to the prime minister, "Lead, or get out of the way and step aside"'
Julian Knight, Conservative MP for Solihull since 2015, said he is 'very open minded' about the idea of Johnson resigning
Brexiteer Andrew Bridgen submitted a letter of no-confidence in Johnson, joining Douglas Ross, Sir Roger Gale, William Wragg and Caroline Nokes in urging him to quit
Meanwhile, one MP told the BBC: 'Many colleagues now believe Boris won't be leader at next general election... for many of us this
