A delegation of Cabinet ministers went to No10 last night to tell Boris Johnson to resign after a slew of devastating resignations.
But astonishingly the Prime Minister clung on, sacking Michael Gove who told him to quit and sparking another flurry of desertions. Finally on Thursday morning the deluded PM saw the light and said he'd quit.
Between 6pm on Tuesday and 10am on Thursday 57 MPs resigned from the government - 28 ministers, 22 parliamentary private secretaries, four trade envoys and three Tory vice chairs.
There now won't even be enough warm bodies to form a new government, yet the PM is trying to keep one together anyway.
What's more, once the 1922 Committee's new executive is elected on Monday they are likely to have a new confidence vote - and simple maths tells us Boris Johnson will lose. Only 32 MPs needed to switch sides to oust him.
Back bench MPs across the spectrum, from moderate ex-ministers Chris Skidmore and Nick Gibb to culture war Red Wallers Jonathan Gullis, Tom Hunt and Lee Anderson, also charged over the top.
One MP, Huw Merriman, even tweeted his no confidence letter sitting in the room with Boris Johnson, while he waited to question him at the Liaison Committee.
One government aide, Fay Jones, said she'd quit if the PM didn't leave by the end of the day - and he didn't.
It comes after months of endless sleaze and scandals involving the Prime Minister's personal integrity.
But for so many MPs, the revelation the PM knew about claims against MP Chris Pincher, then promoted him repeatedly, then “forgot” he’d been told, is the last straw.
The former Constitution Minister wrote: “The Prime Minister has not been truthful. This is an extremely grave situation.”
Ex-Tory leader William Hague said Tory MPs are “reading the last rites” to Boris Johnson and will now unite to get rid of him.
He told Times Radio: “I think it’s over. It’s reading the last rites - slowly, unfortunately… Boris still isn’t accepting that this really is over, but it is.”
Tory rebel Andrew Bridgen, one of those pushing for a rule change, told the BBC : "It's time for Big Dog to go to a farm and never be seen again”.
Here we compile all the MPs who are resigning from government - plus some of the biggest back bench names turning on the Prime Minister.
Cabinet ministers who’ve resigned
Sajid Javid: The Health Secretary kicked off the coup at 6.02pm on Tuesday by resigning for the second time in two years from Boris Johnson’s Cabinet. In a devastating letter he said: “I can no longer, in good conscience, continue serving in this government." He said the public "rightly expect integrity" from the government, adding: "It is clear to me that this situation will not change under your leadership - and you have therefore lost my confidence too."
Rishi Sunak: Nine minutes after Mr Javid the Chancellor handed in his own bombshell resignation. Aides claimed it wasn’t co-ordinated. He wrote: "The public rightly expect government to be conducted properly, competently and seriously. I recognise this may be my last ministerial job, but I believe these standards are worth fighting for and that is why I am resigning."
Brandon Lewis: Northern Ireland Secretary quit after leading a failed delegation to persuade the PM to resign. He wrote: "We are, however, now past the point of no return. I cannot sacrifice my personal integrity to defend things as they stand now. It is clear that our Party, parliamentary colleagues, volunteers and the whole country, deserve better."
Simon Hart: The Welsh Secretary announced his resignation late on Wednesday evening with "sadness", saying: "I have never been a massive fan of Ministerial resignations being the best means of forcing change" but adding he'd been left with no other option. He had been part of a delegation to try to oust the PM.
Michelle Donelan: Newly appointed Education Secretary said: "You have put us in an impossible situation. I am deeply saddened that it has come to this, but as someone who values integrity above all else, I have no choice."
Other ministers who've resigned
Alex Chalk: The Solicitor General is not in Cabinet but his resignation is damaging because MPs have to be a lawyer to take the job. With a ‘star chamber’ of Tory lawyers already leading a probe into whether the PM lied over Partygate, how many would be willing to take on this poisoned chalice? Mr Chalk wrote: “Public confidence in the ability of No10 to uphold the standards of candour expected of a British government has irretrievably broken down”.
Edward Argar: Loyal Health Minister quit after the PM refused to step down, saying we cannot "face the future with integrity" if Boris Johnson is still in charge.
Chris Philp: Another ultra-loyalist, Digital Economy Minister listed the government’s achievements but added: “Important though all these things are, so are integrity, honesty and trust in politics. Given events over the past few weeks and months I therefore think you should resign as Prime Minister and it follows that I cannot serve in your government any longer.”
Mike Freer: Minister for Equalities, who is gay, wrote: “We are moving away from the One Nation Conservative Party I joined, not least in creating an atmosphere of hostility for LGBT+ people and I regret I can no longer defend policies I fundamentally disagree with.”
Damian Hinds: Security Minister resigned saying “standards in public life and faith in our democracy” are more important than the PM’s achievements. “Because of the serious erosion in these, I have come to the conclusion that the right thing for our country and for our party is for you to stand down.”
Will Quince: The rising star Children's Minister handed in his resignation 48 hours after being sent out to defend Boris Johnson with false information. Mr Quince had told interviewers he had been "categorically" assured Boris Johnson did not know of any specific complaints about Chris Pincher before giving him a job. This assurance was “inaccurate”. In a damning letter he wrote: "It is with great sadness and regret that I feel I have no choice but to tender my resignation as Minister for Children and Families".
John Glen: The Financial Secretary to the Treasury blasted to Boris Johnson that he had a “complete lack of confidence in your continuing leadership.” In a blistering letter he added: “Recent events concerning handling of the appointment of former Deputy Chief Whip, and the poor judgement you have shown, have made it impossible for me to square continued service with my conscience. The country deserves better.”
Helen Whately: Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury said "there are only so many times you can apologise and move on. That point has been reached". She said she'd backed the PM for a long time and her resignation was with "sincere regret".
George Freeman: Science Minister issued a devastating letter voicing no confidence in the PM, saying he is "seriously damaging public trust" with his "willingness to ask ministers to mislead Parliament". Branding the situation a "constitutional crisis" he added: "Enough is enough. This can't go on." He later said he was resigning.
Robin Walker: The Schools Minister resigned, telling the Prime Minister the "great achievements" of the Government have become "overshadowed by mistakes and questions about integrity". It is the loss of another ‘One Nation’ Tory who were key to the party’s wider support but feel alienated by Boris Johnson’s swerve towards right-wing loyalists. "The loss of the Rishi Sunak and the Sajid Javid… reflects a worrying narrowing of the broad church that I believe any Conservative Government should seek to achieve.”
Guy Opperman: Pensions Minister wrote to the PM: “I have given you ample opportunity to show real change. Sadly, recent events have shown clearly that Government simply cannot function with you in charge.”
James Cartlidge: Courts Minister said the PM had promised to reset but told him: "It must now be obvious that this is no longer even remotely possible."
Victoria Atkins: The Justice Minister resigned on Instagram, telling Boris Johnson “I can no longer pirouette around our fractured values” and “we can and must be better than this”. She added: "The events of this week, however, have made these contortions impossible. The casual mistreatment of Minister Will Quince and the revelations contained in Lord McDonald's letter highlight just how far your government has fallen from these ideals. I can no longer pirouette around our fractured values. We can and must be better than this."
Jo Churchill: Health Minister blasted: "Recent events have shown integrity, competence, and judgement are all essential to the role of Prime Minister, while a jocular self-serving approach is bound to have its limitations… The country and party deserve better and so with a heavy heart I have decided to resign."
Stuart Andrew: Left the government finding its 12th housing minister in 12 years, writing: "There comes a time when you have to look at your own personal integrity and that time is now. Therefore, given recent events I have no other choice than to resign. Our party, particularly our members and more importantly our great country, deserve better."
Kemi Badenoch, Neil O'Brien, Alex Burghart, Lee Rowley, Julia Lopez: Resigned in a brutal single letter in which they told the PM "step aside". They added: “It has become increasingly clear that the government cannot function given the issues that have come to light and the way in which they have been handled”.
Mims Davies: Employment Minister resigned saying she had become “increasingly concerned” in recent months about “your Premiership, those around you and our great party’s direction and what we truly stand for”. She added: "I feel now the great work we are doing in my government and many others is utterly overshadowed by what has unfolded from the heart of the government in Downing Street.”
Rachel Maclean: Home Office Minister quit, saying Boris Johnson must go "for the good of the country and our party''. She said "values, principles, integrity and decency matter more than anything".
Ministers who haven't quit - but have told PM to go
- Michael Gove: Cabinet minister for Levelling Up approached Boris Johnson privately to say he should step down - hours later, he was sacked in revenge.
- Suella Braverman: Attorney General said the PM had handled matters "appallingly" and "the balance has tipped now in favour of saying that the Prime Minister - it pains me to say it - but it's time to go." But she didn't resign herself, despite announcing she will run for leader.
- Nadhim Zahawi: The new Chancellor urged the PM to quit just hours after being given the job in Rishi Sunak's place. He could be staying in place to protect financial markets.
- Priti Patel: The ultra-loyal Home Secretary joined the delegation urging the PM to quit. She did not resign herself however. It would have national security implications if no replacement could be found.
- Grant Shapps: Transport Secretary was part of a delegation who visited the Prime Minister but failed to convince him to resign.
Party chairs who've resigned
- Bim Afolami: The Tory vice chair - seen by many as a rising star in the party - resigned his post live on air. He told TalkTV: “That is not the position I want to be in but I feel I've been forced to be put in that position as the Chancellor as the Health Secretary, as was party chairman Oliver Dowden. Ultimately in politics, trust matters, integrity matters. And doing the right thing matters, notwithstanding whatever happens to your own sort of political career.
Caroline Johnson, Conservative Party vice-chair
Luke Hall, deputy chair of the Conservative Party
Government aides who've resigned
- Laura Trott: The rising star MP resigned as Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to the Department of Transport. She wrote: “Trust in politics is - and must always be - of the upmost importance, but sadly in recent months this has been lost.” Aged 37, her resignation is significant because she is one of a number of new entry MPs, loyal until now, who are putting their heads above the parapet.
- Felicity Buchan: Resigned as PPS in the business department, telling Boris Johnson: “You have lost the confidence of my constituents and me. The current situation is untenable... [It] requires fresh leadership and it requires a new vision for the country."
- Jonathan Gullis: The former Red Wall loyalist resigned as PPS to Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis. The 2019 intake MP said the party had become too focused on "dealing with our reputational damage". Along with Lee Anderson, he is significant because he’s been one of the Prime Minister’s most doughty defenders, repeatedly dismissing calls for the PM to be ousted.
- Mark Fletcher: Resigned as a PPS - was at the Carlton Club when Pincher was accused of groping two men. He resigned after the PM "suggested" MPs were to blame for letting Mr Pincher "drink so much". Mr Fletcher added: "Any person who suggests that anyone other than Mr Pincher is solely responsible for what happened that night is unfit to lead our country."
- Saqib Bhatti: Sajid Javid's PPS also quit, with a statement saying "recent events have undermined trust and standards in public life".
- Nicola Richards: Grant Shapps ' PPS quit while her boss stayed on, saying she could not serve "under the current circumstances".
- Virginia Crosbie: Wales Office PPS quit saying the PM's position was untenable due to the "sheer number of allegations of impropriety and illegality".
- David Johnston: Quit as a PPS in the Department for Education, saying "events in recent months have made the view of politics and politicians worse and will only put more people off entering it, which I deeply regret... I do not believe he can provide the leadership the country needs."
- Claire Coutinho: Resigned as a Treasury PPS, saying "the events of recent weeks and months are preventing us" from having a "laser" grip.
- Selaine Saxby: Resigned as a Defra PPS, saying: "Trust, truth and integrity are vital in our work as politicians and public servants, and I had hoped that the reset earlier in the year might have given us the chance for a different direction, however the events of this week have shown that not to be the case. Inaction is indeed action, and my silence is not compatible with my views."
- Duncan Baker: Levelling-Up Department PPS said: "The breakdown in trust from the last six months is abundantly clear. The latest situation to unfold regarding Chris Pincher only compounds those feelings, with many now recognising the situation is clearly unsustainable... I do not have confidence in the Prime Minister."
- Craig Williams: The PPS to the Chancellor resigned after saying he had given the PM the "benefit of the doubt" in the recent confidence vote. He said: "After the recent vote of confidence, I had given my support to you, with one last benefit of the doubt. I believed it was right that we draw a line under previous events and focus on rebuilding trust with the public and focusing on delivering good policies. It has now become apparent over recent days, that this is becoming impossible."
- Mark Logan: Northern Ireland Office PPS quit after saying there was "only so much anyone can expect my constituents to accept or ignore".
- Sara Britcliffe: PPS at the Department for Education said "I believe the government risks becoming so subsumed in continuous firefighting of self-inflicted issues, that it will detract from our ability to deliver on this critically important agenda - and therefore it is time to draw a line."
- Ruth Edwards: PPS at the Scottish Office said Boris Johnson’s Government “turned a blind eye to allegations of sexual assault within its own ranks”.
- Peter Gibson: PPS to the Tory chairman said failing to ban conversion therapy was a "humiliating experience" and did "immense damage, needlessly inflicted after years of hard work by mange to rebuild the damage of Section 28." Notably his letter did not mention the Chris Pincher case - showing an avalanche of resignations from MPs with long-standing concerns not just about the news of the day.
- James Sunderland: Defra PPS said: "I would like to thank everyone who has taken the trouble to share their views with me in recent months."
- Jacob Young: PPS in the Department of Levelling Up said the PM must step aside to "allow the country to move forward". He told the PM: "Sadly, you no longer commands the support of the parliamentary party and as you have not heeded the advice given to you, I feel I am left with no choice but to step down. You know of my personal loyalty to you, and so you will now how it pains me to withdraw my support in this way."
- James Daly: The PPS to Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey's team quit on Wednesday night, telling Boris Johnson it "had become very clear that you are sadly unable to lead our government".
- Danny Kruger: A PPS to Michael Gove in the Department for Levelling up quit after his boss got fired, saying: "As I told No 10 earlier today it should be the PM leaving office."
- Fay Jones: In a letter on Wednesday afternoon, PPS to the Leader of the Commons said she would leave her role if the Prime Minister “fails to leave office by tomorrow”.
Rob Butler: Parliamentary private secretary at the Foreign Office
Rebecca Pow: PPS at the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs said the PM must go as "Values, integrity and the morals by which I live are at stake, and the needs of the country must always come first".
Trade envoys who've resigned
- Andrew Murrison: Trade envoy to Morocco announced he was quitting, blasting the "rolling chaos" at the top of Government. He said other MPs must square "continuing enjoyment of your patronage with their personal sense of decency, honour and integrity but I no longer can".
- Theo Clarke: Trade Envoy to Kenya resigned saying she takes "allegations of sexual misconduct very seriously”. She added the Prime Minister had shown a "severe lack of judgment and care" for his parliamentary party.
- David Duguid: Trade Envoy to Angola and Zambia said: "In light of recent events, I believe the Prime Minister's position is now untenable."
- David Mundell: The top Tory resigned as Trade Envoy to New Zealand, saying he hoped a fresh confidence vote "can now take place as a matter of urgency".
- Richard Graham: Trade envoy for SE Asia quit, saying "it is vital to have full confidence in leadership & integrity of the government".
Backbench MPs who voted for Boris Johnson last month
Lee Anderson: Tub-thumping former Labour figure had turned into one of Boris Johnson’s most ferocious rottweilers - voting for him in the June confidence vote. But he wrote on Facebook : “I cannot look myself in the mirror and accept this… Integrity should always come first and sadly this has not been the case over the past few days.”
Tom Hunt: Another key 2019 right-wing MP, who was a massive supporter, said "events of the past week have been the straw that has broken the camel's back. I have come to the conclusion, like a large number of my colleagues, that it's in the best interests of my constituents, the country and the Conservative Party for the Prime Minister to step down."
Robert Halfon: Influential former minister and Education Committee chairman withdrew his support writing: "I feel that the public have been misled about the appointment of the former Deputy Chief Whip... "I gave the Prime Minister the benefit of the doubt before... I can't bring myself to do this again and refuse to do so." He added: "Much policy delivery is a mirage. There is little trust in the Prime Minister. For this reason, if there is a vote for a change in leadership, I will now vote for that change."
Sally-Ann Hart: Despite backing Mr Johnson last month she wrote: “Given that the integrity of Parliament must be upheld, on behalf of my constituents of Hastings and Rye I am no longer able to support Boris Johnson as leader of the Conservative Party and Prime Minister."
Alec Shelbrooke: He told the BBC the PM had to quit and there are "rumours" the so-called "men in grey suits" - a delegation of MPs - would visit the Prime Minister to tell him he's lost his party's support.
Robert Jenrick: Former Housing Minister wrote: "It has become painfully clear that we are failing to provide the coherence, grip and direction that the country needs and deserves in these challenging times." He added: "There has been a significant and I fear irretrievable loss of trust with the public... If we continue along our present path we risk doing lasting damage to the reputation of the Conservative Party for competence and good government and, more importantly, to the standing of politics generally. I can no longer, in all good conscience, support this."
Robert Buckland: Ex-Justice Secretary said Mr Johnson had to go. He told the Telegraph that 1922 chairman Graham Brady has "instruments of torture" ready. "It seems to me it is becoming increasingly obvious that this can't go on," he said.
MPs who were undeclared before
Chris Skidmore: Ex-minister said in a blistering no confidence letter: “The Prime Minister has not been truthful to the media, to his own advisers and Number 10 officials, and to the party in disclosing what he knew. This is an extremely grave situation, that is tantamount to an effective cover up of sexual abuse that would never be tolerated in any normal, functioning, workplace.”
Nick Gibb: Veteran former minister was known to be against the PM though technically he did not explicitly reveal his vote in June. In a blistering assault he called for the Cabinet to topple Boris Johnson. He went on: “That lack of trust - you cannot have that. I just don’t think that is a sustainable way of running a government."
Simon Hoare: Chairman of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee wrote: “This will come as no surprise to those who know me. But I have written to Graham Brady asking for a rule change governing the holding of confidence votes & a further confidence vote to be held. Change is needed & needed now: for the sake of our Country, my constituents & my Party”.
Anthony Browne: Previous supporter had been unclear publicly about how he voted in the confidence vote last month but then posted withdrawing his support.
Julian Knight: Had been unclear publicly about how he voted in the confidence vote last month but then posted withdrawing his support.
Huw Merriman: Transport Committee chairman said the PM's position is now "untenable" and urged him to stand down - tweeting his letter out while sitting in the Liaison Committee waiting to grill the Prime Minister. He said he's submitted a no confidence letter to the 1922 Committee.
Liam Fox: The former Cabinet minister told Boris Johnson "I have supported you since you took office" but added he was "today withdrawing my support for you", adding: "Unfortunately, you cannot continue to lead the Conservative Party and more importantly our country."
Jonathan Djanogly: The MP for Huntingdon, tweeted: "In politics, values and ethics do really matter and Britain deserves better, which is why I have again tendered a letter requesting a vote of confidence in the Prime Minister."
