(Alliance News) - UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson dramatically sacked Cabinet rival Michael Gove and rejected calls to quit as support for his leadership collapsed at Westminster.
The prime minister met ministers in No 10 on Thursday, where he was told he had lost the confidence of the Tory party and could not continue in office.
Gove was thought to have told the prime minister on Wednesday morning that it was time for him to quit.
That was followed by a delegation of Cabinet ministers going to No 10 to tell Johnson he should stand down after losing the trust of his MPs.
The BBC reported that Communities Secretary Gove had been sacked, with a No 10 source telling the broadcaster: "You cannot have a snake who is not with you on any of the big arguments who then gleefully briefs the press that he has called for the leader to go.
"You cannot operate like that."
Johnson's relationship with Gove has long been troubled, with the prime minister's leadership campaign in 2016 derailed when his rival withdrew support and decided to run himself.
But it was not only Gove who sought to persuade Johnson that his time in No 10 should end.
Home Secretary Priti Patel, Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis and Welsh Secretary Simon Hart were among the Cabinet ministers telling Johnson to stand down.
The PA news agency understands that Patel spoke to the prime minister to convey the "overwhelming view" of the parliamentary party.
Shapps is thought to have told Johnson that he stood little chance of winning another confidence vote and should instead set out a timetable for a departure on his own terms.
Nadhim Zahawi, who was only appointed Chancellor on Tuesday, was also thought to be among those taking part in the showdown with Johnson.
But Johnson rejected suggestions he should seek a "more dignified exit" and will instead fight for his political future – something which could trigger further Cabinet resignations.
A source close to the prime minister said he told his colleagues there would be "chaos" if he quit and the party would almost certainly lose the next election.
The source said Johnson was "continuing to focus on delivering for the public" and addressing the "hugely important issues facing the country".
Neither Shapps nor Zahawi are expected to resign, despite the prime minister's refusal to go.
Allies including Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries and Brexit Opportunities Minister Jacob Rees-Mogg all remained supportive of Johnson.
Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab also remained loyal to Johnson and defended him at a session of the backbench 1922 Committee.
By David Hughes, PA Political Editor
source: PA
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