Another Tory source noted that Labour was targeting those ministers named as potential successors to Mr Sunak harder than the Prime Minister himself, adding: “The feeling is that Labour is going to continue to play whack-a-mole with any Cabinet minister named as a potential successor.”
Leadership rumours began to snowball last Monday when Sir Graham Brady, the chairman of the 1922 committee, held one-to-one talks with Mr Sunak.
The Telegraph has been told that shortly before the meeting, Sir Graham was called by five Tory MPs who handed him their no confidence letters in the Prime Minister.
Number 10 is rushing to put a lid on the leadership rumours before MPs go on spring recess on March 26, amid fears there will be an “Easter of plotting”.
On Sunday, Mr Sunak was bolstered as two Cabinet ministers, as well as several veteran backbenchers, rowed in behind him.
Mark Harper, the Transport Secretary, said the Prime Minister “will take us into” the next election. He warned restless Tory MPs that “politics is a team game”, telling Sky News: “I’m going to be supporting him all the way through, and I’m confident that my colleagues will.”
Michelle Donelan, the Science Secretary, also issued a plea for MPs to give Mr Sunak time to deliver on his long-term vision for Britain, telling The Express: “This isn’t a Government that is only interested in policies that are going to help our election process.”
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
