Attorney General and former Health Secretary Matt Hancock have called on Boris Johnson to step down.
Suella Braverman told ITV’s Peston that there was “a huge sense of despair among Conservative MPs” at the moment, adding: “The time has come for the Prime Minister to step down”.
Ms Braverman said it was “untenable” for Mr Johnson to continue as leader – and signaled her own intention to run in a future contest.
The cabinet minister, previously a staunch supporter of the prime minister, said he had handled things “horribly” in recent days.
“Now the balance has tipped in favor of the Prime Minister – it pains me to say it – but it’s time for him to go.”
Also speaking to ITV’s Peston, Matt Hancock, a former health secretary in Mr Johnson’s government, said the prime minister “of course” should stand down.
“Unfortunately he has lost the support of his cabinet, many, many of his ministers and the parliamentary party … it has come to the point where he has to resign,” Mr Hancock said.
Meanwhile, Ms Braverman, MP for Fareham, also told ITV’s Peston that she would put her name in the ring in any future leadership contest.
“If there is a leadership contest, I will throw my name in the ring,” Ms. Braverman said.
“I love this country, my parents came here with absolutely nothing and it was Britain that gave them hope, security and opportunity. This country has provided me with incredible opportunities in my education and career. I owe this country a debt of gratitude and to serve as prime minister would be the greatest honor, so yes, I will try.”
Mr Hancock said he would not stand in a future leadership election but said: “I care deeply about what happens next”, adding he would be “happy” to serve in government.
The Prime Minister faced more than 40 resignations from his government as of Wednesday night, but supporters told ITV News that Mr Johnson was still in “pretty high spirits” and “ready to fight”.
Ms Braverman said she would not resign from her role, although she called for the Prime Minister to go as she said she had an “obligation” to carry on.
“I don’t want to resign because I have this obligation and we need a lawyer in the government,” she said.
“My first duty is to the country … we are in crisis and I have statutory, legal and constitutional obligations,” Ms Braverman told ITV’s Peston. “We need a lawyer in government,” she said.
Asked if there was a “good chance” the prime minister would now ask her to resign, Ms Braverman said: “It’s his choice and I’ll do whatever the prime minister asks of me.”
A reshuffle was underway at No 10 on Wednesday night as the prime minister sought to fill vacancies in his cabinet left by resignations.
Michael Gove was a key figure sacked by Johnson after a group of his top ministers called for him to leave.
Watch Peston on ITV from 10.45pm on Wednesdays live on Twitter, on ITV and on the ITV Hub afterwards
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