(Alliance News) - A defiant UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has rejected calls from Cabinet colleagues to quit. after 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.
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.
Reports even suggested Nadhim Zahawi, who was only appointed Chancellor on Tuesday, was 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".
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.
Graham Brady, chair of the Conservative 1922 Committee, was thought to have visited Downing Street to communicate the views of backbenchers, following the meeting in Parliament dominated by MPs calling for Johnson to go.
If Johnson refuses to go then his fate will ultimately lie with Tory MPs. if the 1922 Committee's rules are changed to allow another confidence vote within 12 months.
The committee's executive did not make any immediate changes to the rules on Wednesday, but has scheduled elections for its executive committee to take place on Monday, before a result later that evening.
The new executive could decide to alter the rules, with Johnson then facing a fresh battle to remain in office.
By David Hughes, PA Political Editor
source: PA
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