Tories urged to oust Rishi Sunak now as ex-minister reveals exact number of letters needed
EXCLUSIVE: Dame Andrea Jenkyns has revealed just 20 more letters were needed to trigger a vote of confidence in Rishi Sunak as Tory leader.
Rishi Sunak gives press conference after Rwanda Bill win
Rishi Sunak has dismissed claims that more letters have gone in from Tory MPs asking for a vote of confidence in his leadership with a backlash to his Rwanda Bill victory last night.
But it is understood that some letters have gone to 1922 Committee chairman Sir Graham Brady as a result of the simmering anger felt by some Tory MPs on the right over what they see as a betrayal with a Bill which will fail to get deportation flights of illegal migrants off the ground.
Former education minister and Boris Johnson ally Dame Andrea Jenkyns told Express.co.uk that the last count of letters asking for a leadership vote was 29 including hers.
She explained: "That means we just needed 20 about a fortnight ago and that will be less now."
Speaking to Express.co.uk this morning, she said: "The Prime Minister may have won the vote last night, but there is disharmony on the backbenchers and I am hearing in the cabinet too.
"How long are MP's going to sit on their hands before they act. How many more votes are we going to hemorrhage? I urge colleague to submit their vote of no confidence letters, we are heading to a General Election this year, let's choose a Conservative leader who can connect to the public."
Stay up-to-date with the latest Politics news
Join us on WhatsAppOur community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info
Another source close to the rebels said: “Given how both No10 and the whips office behaved in the run-up to third reading, it would come as no surprise that for some colleagues this was the straw that broke the camels back.
The Prime Minister said he would do whatever it takes to stop the boats, yet, he has ploughed through with a Bill which he knows is utterly ineffectual, just to try and save his premiership.
However, other Tory MPs on the right said they are now "in wait-and-see mode".
One leading rebel told Express.co.uk: "Most of us are just in wait-and-see mode. I feel we did what we could do last night."
Another said: "Colleagues are very unhappy and bruised but I don't think there is enough appetite for yet another leadership vote."
It is understood that former Home Secretary Suella Braverman, one of 11 Tory rebels to vote against the Bill, was ready to launch a leadership bid if the Bill had fallen.
There were claims that some in the Cabinet including Kemi Badenoch and Penny Mordaunt were also readying themselves in the event of a defeat.
However, Tory grassroots via the Conservative Post had been urging MPs to stick to their principles and vote down the Rwanda Bill called for a change of leadership.
Don't miss...
Sunak fires warning to Lords to back Rwanda Bill in 'urgent national priority' [REACT]
Tory Rwanda revolt leaves Rishi Sunak in the worst of all worlds - Asa Bennett [INSIGHT]
Sunak's ace up sleeve is an ex-army sniper with Tory rebel numbers in his sights [REVEAL]
Patriots and true conservatives...
— Conservative Post (@ConsPost) January 18, 2024
Thank you to @SuellaBraverman, @danny__kruger, @andreajenkyns, @JamesDuddridge, Mark Francois, @RobertJenrick, @BillCashMP, @miriam_cates, @SimonClarkeMP, @Dines4Dales and @DavidJonesMP.
Thank you for trying������������ pic.twitter.com/6J3yOPMo2n
They pointed to the fact that polling wen Boris Johnson left office in 2022 had them three points behind Labour and now it is up to 27 points.
David Campbell Bannerman, chairman of the CDO, said: "The latest polling shows that Sunak and his ‘grown ups’ have taken the Conservatives from just behind Labour by 3 points at 33 percent under Boris Johnson to a disastrous 20 percent - Rishi has lost us 13 percent of voters and is less popular than both Starmer and the Conservative Party.
"Sunak is a dud and must be removed as leader immediately. 61 rebel Tories is more than the 53 needed for a confidence vote. With Sunak we’re sunk."
The Conseravtive Post Tweeted a "thank you" to the 11 Tory MPs who voted against the Bill.
But pushed on the issue of letters going in at the Downing Street press conference this morning, Mr Sunak said: "The Conservative Party is united. We all want to stop the boats."
He went on: "I'm interested in sticking to the plan because that plan is working. Last year was a tricky year but we are seeing progress.
"My main message is the plan is working. Keir Starmer has had four years to set out an alternative and hasn't done so.
"The Conservative Party is completely united to deliver for the country, cut taxes and stop the boats."